Can Monarda be grown from seed?
Monarda seeds can be sown indoors in the early spring or outdoors in late spring. Monarda plants can also be planted out in the spring or autumn. This gives them plenty of time to establish, ready for their display come June to August. Monarda plants can also be planted out in the spring or autumn. This gives them plenty of time to establish, ready for their display come June to August. Loose roots to beginners might sound intimidating but are in fact, incredibly easy to plant and budget friendly!Monarda started from seed does not bloom the first year unless the seed is planted the prior autumn. Monarda needs a compost rich soil and does best in full sun except in Zones 7-8 where it can tolerate partial shade.Feed regularly from May with a good fertiliser such as seaweed extract to keep powdery mildew at bay. Monardas spread via basal growth, so do not mulch because this suppresses new growth from the plant’s base. Taller varieties will need staking since monardas grow from shallow rhizomes.
How do you germinate Monarda seeds?
Start Monarda seeds directly outside in the fall or early spring. For indoor sowing, give the seeds a cold treatment for 4 weeks in the refrigerator, and then start the seeds indoors 6 – 8 weeks prior to the end of frost season and transplant out later with warmer temperatures. Direct sow seed outdoors in fall for germination the next spring or sow in spring after the last frost date. Seed can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks prior to transplanting outdoors. Sow seeds 6-8 apart on the soil surface and press lightly to settle. Seeds will sprout in 10-20 days.Keep the seeds moist, but not soggy. Or, direct sow by gently pressing the seed into the soil or cover very lightly with soil to keep the wind from blowing the seed away. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.