Monarda planting and care outdoors lemon flavor

Monarda lemon is an ornamental plant, looks beautiful in photographs, in the country, can be used for bouquets, but it is popular not only because of this.

Lemon monarda contains honey nectar, there are essential oils in the inflorescences and leaves.

To obtain essential oils, the leaves must be harvested when the plant is in bloom.

At the same time, the plant is most active for the first five years, then the effectiveness of the oils decreases.

General information about the lemon Monarda plant

Origin

The monard plant has several types, these are:

• double monard,
• fisty,
• lemon monard.

Belongs to a fast-growing perennial herb, but is more often grown as an annual plant, to the family of lamb, labiate.

They grow in North America and Mexico. Monarda is sometimes called bergamot, they are similar.

The herb lemon monarda is used in medicine and cooking, as it has a pleasant aroma. If you grind the leaves of lemon monarda, a lemon-like aroma is released. Some say that rubbing old monarda leaves smells like oregano.

Sprouting

The plant was named after the botanist from Spain who first described it, Nicholas Monardes. In Russia, in its middle lane, the most famous varieties of lemon monarda are such varieties as Mona Lisa, Diana, Solntsevsky semko.

Usually these are annual plants, sometimes they tolerate the winter quite well. In Russia, the Monarda variety Mona Lisa is available for use.

Appearance

Outwardly, it is a bush, from the center of which stems grow.

Since the lemon monard is an ornamental plant with useful properties, it is actively spreading throughout Europe.

In a simple way, lemon monard is called bergamot, lemon mint, American lemon balm. The plant has a spicy smell, enriched with essential oils.

Monarda lemon has a fairly strong aroma, which is similar to the smell of mint and lemon.

Monarda lemon is a bush with stems, with green oval leaves with a sharp tip 4-8 centimeters long. The stems are thin, around them curled flowers are white, pink, purple.

The lemon monard can reach a height of a meter, the stem height is usually 80 centimeters.

The stem is a branched, tetrahedral shoot that grows upright. The plant has oval oblong leaves, serrated.

The flowers of lemon monarda can be of different colors, red, purple, white, together they form inflorescences, their diameter is usually seven centimeters.

On the stem of the plant, the flowers are located one above the other. The citrus scent of monarda attracts bees and butterflies.

Lemon monarda belongs to the mint family, sometimes it is called American lemon balm, bergamot.

In addition to decorative functions, lemon monarda also has medicinal properties.

The plant has an antimicrobial, anthelmintic effect on the body due to the content of essential oils with vitamins C, B1, B2 in the stems.

Cultivation and care of lemon monarda

Soil requirements

For lemon monarda, clay soil is more suitable, but the area should be without the risk of flooding.

In this case, the monard can survive drought, grow in calcareous or alkaline soil.

It grows naturally in a limestone wasteland. The most suitable place for a monarda would be a sunny place.

Most of the monarda varieties are perennials. With the onset of winter, the upper aboveground part of the plant withers, and closer to spring, the flower awakens. It blooms for two months in summer from July.

Reproduction

Lemon monarda begins to grow by planting seedlings. You can use the option of dividing the bush, or growing from seeds.

Seedling method

To prepare seedlings, you need to sow seeds in boxes in January or February. After three weeks, shoots may already appear. To germinate seeds, you need a temperature of at least 20 degrees.

They can be planted on the site in two - two and a half months, and you can not be afraid of frost. You can choose either a sunny or semi-dark place.

The depth of the soil should be about two centimeters, the soil must first be loosened and manure, minerals, sand, lime should be added. And in the process of the transplant itself, you also need to add ammonium nitrate.

Bush dividing method

You can use the method of dividing the bushes, but the bush must be 4 years old. From one bush, you can make up to 28 seedlings, but this does not apply to all varieties of monarda, but not for lemon.

For lemon monarda, planting seedlings is more suitable. The first two months, the bush will grow slowly, gradually increasing growth. During the summer, you can do weeding 3 times.

Properties of lemon monarda

Monarda lemon is appreciated for its essential oils, they are used in perfumery, for medicinal purposes. The essential oil of lemon monarda is called citronella and contains phenolic monoterpenes, thymol.

Has pronounced antioxidant and bactericidal properties. The essential oil is used in the treatment of coughs, colds, and fevers. It can also be used to get rid of intestinal parasites, to scare off fleas, ticks.

Monarda can also be used to flavor tea, as a seasoning for meat dishes.

Lemon monarda can also be used as a medicine:

• for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis,
• as an antimicrobial agent,
• to get rid of helminths, salmonella,
• for skin healing from burns.

Lemon monarda is used in cooking:

• to give a lemon flavor to some dishes, in particular desserts, cheesecakes, cookies, cakes,
• for fish dishes, salads, sauces.
• to decorate garnishes, since flowers are considered edible,
• and the pieces of leaves can be frozen with ice cubes and added to drinks (watch the video).

TOP proven suburban shops in the Russian Federation - Choose, buy!

• - "Garden and Vegetable Garden" - Gardens of Russia is an online store of seeds and seedlings.
• - "Becker" is a popular store of seedlings, seeds, bulbs, delivery all over Russia!

Monarda lemon is an ornamental plant, looks beautiful in photographs, in the country, can be used for bouquets, but it is popular not only because of this.

Lemon monarda contains honey nectar, there are essential oils in the inflorescences and leaves.

To obtain essential oils, the leaves must be harvested when the plant is in bloom.

At the same time, the plant is most active for the first five years, then the effectiveness of the oils decreases.

General information about the lemon Monarda plant

Origin

The monard plant has several types, these are:

• double monard,
• fistful,
• lemon monard.

Belongs to a fast-growing perennial herb, but is more often grown as an annual plant, to the family of lamb, labiate.

They grow in North America and Mexico. Monarda is sometimes called bergamot, they are similar.

The herb lemon monarda is used in medicine and cooking, as it has a pleasant aroma. If you grind the leaves of lemon monarda, then a lemon-like aroma is released. Some say that rubbing old monarda leaves smells like oregano.

Sprouting

The plant was named after the botanist from Spain who first described it, Nicholas Monardes. In Russia, in its middle lane, the most famous varieties of lemon monarda are such varieties as Mona Lisa, Diana, Solntsevsky Semko.

Usually these are annual plants, sometimes they tolerate winter quite well. In Russia, the Monarda variety Mona Lisa is available for use.

Appearance

Outwardly, it is a bush, from the center of which stems grow.

Since the lemon monard is an ornamental plant with useful properties, it is actively spreading throughout Europe.

In a simple way, lemon monard is called bergamot, lemon mint, American lemon balm. The plant has a spicy smell, enriched with essential oils.

Monarda lemon has a fairly strong aroma, which is similar to the smell of mint and lemon.

Monarda lemon is a bush with stems, with green oval leaves with a sharp tip 4-8 centimeters long. The stems are thin, around them curled flowers are white, pink, purple.

The lemon monard can reach a height of a meter, the stem height is usually 80 centimeters.

The stem is a branched, tetrahedral shoot that grows upright. The plant has oval oblong leaves, serrated.

The flowers of lemon monarda can be of different colors, red, purple, white, together they form inflorescences, their diameter is usually seven centimeters.

On the stem of the plant, the flowers are located one above the other. The citrus scent of monarda attracts bees and butterflies.

Lemon monarda belongs to the mint family, sometimes it is called American lemon balm, bergamot.

In addition to decorative functions, lemon monarda also has medicinal properties.

The plant has an antimicrobial, anthelmintic effect on the body due to the content of essential oils with vitamins C, B1, B2 in the stems.

Cultivation and care of lemon monarda

Soil requirements

For lemon monarda, clay soil is more suitable, but the area should be without the risk of flooding.

In this case, the monard can survive drought, grow in calcareous or alkaline soil.

It grows naturally in a limestone wasteland. The most suitable place for a monarda would be a sunny place.

Most of the monarda varieties are perennials.With the onset of winter, the upper aboveground part of the plant withers, and closer to spring, the flower awakens. It blooms for two months in summer from July.

Reproduction

Lemon monarda begins to grow by planting seedlings. You can use the option of dividing the bush, or growing from seeds.

Seedling method

To prepare seedlings, you need to sow seeds in boxes in January or February. After three weeks, shoots may already appear. To germinate seeds, you need a temperature of at least 20 degrees.

They can be planted on the site in two - two and a half months, and you can not be afraid of frost. You can choose either a sunny or semi-dark place.

The depth of the soil should be about two centimeters, the soil must first be loosened and manure, minerals, sand, lime should be added. And in the process of the transplant itself, you also need to add ammonium nitrate.

Bush dividing method

You can use the method of dividing the bushes, but the bush must be 4 years old. From one bush, you can make up to 28 seedlings, but this does not apply to all varieties of monarda, but not for lemon.

For lemon monarda, planting seedlings is more suitable. The first two months, the bush will grow slowly, gradually increasing growth. During the summer, you can do weeding 3 times.

Properties of lemon monarda

Monarda lemon is appreciated for its essential oils, they are used in perfumery, for medicinal purposes. The essential oil of lemon monarda is called citronella and contains phenolic monoterpenes, thymol.

Has pronounced antioxidant and bactericidal properties. The essential oil is used in the treatment of coughs, colds, and fevers. It can also be used to get rid of intestinal parasites, to scare off fleas, ticks.

Monarda can also be used to flavor tea, as a seasoning for meat dishes.

Lemon monarda can also be used as a medicine:

• for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis,
• as an antimicrobial agent,
• to get rid of helminths, salmonella,
• for skin healing from burns.

Lemon monarda is used in cooking:

• to give a lemon flavor to some dishes, in particular desserts, cheesecakes, cookies, cakes,
• for fish dishes, salads, sauces.
• to decorate garnishes, since flowers are considered edible,
• and the pieces of leaves can be frozen with ice cubes and added to drinks (watch the video).

TOP proven suburban shops in the Russian Federation - Choose, buy!

• - "Garden and Vegetable Garden" - Gardens of Russia is an online store of seeds and seedlings.
• - "Becker" is a popular store of seedlings, seeds, bulbs, delivery all over Russia!

If you want to get a very unusual plant that can be used as a spice, then start growing lemon monarda from seeds. We will tell you how to do this in this article.

Meet Monarda

This perennial plant, which we grow as an annual, came to us from the USA. Its leaves and stem can smell of different essential oils: mint, lemon, citrus and even bergamot. We use it as an ornamental and medicinal plant, and besides that, it is an excellent source of nectar for the shoulders and a means of protection against some pests.

Monarda is a tall (80-100 cm) well-branching plant, the stems of which are crowned with single or one-on-one inflorescences of two-lipped flowers. The color of the inflorescences can be different, depending on the species. Flowering begins in mid-summer (July) and lasts almost 2 months.

Growing lemon monarda

If you want to grow a monarda with a lemon aroma, then you will have to choose between the Mona Lisa and Solntsevsky Semko varieties. They both have pale purple inflorescences.

In order for your lemon monard to bloom more abundantly, then it must be planted in a sunny place, if longer, then in partial shade. It is not particularly whimsical to the quality of the soil; it grows poorly only on acidic and waterlogged ones.The selected area should be dug up twice (in autumn and spring), applying fertilizers both times.

In the southern regions, sowing can be carried out directly into the ground, after the weather is good and the soil warms up. In cooler climates, it is recommended to first grow the seedlings by sowing them in February. With the second method of growing lemon monard, it will turn out to be stronger.

Seedlings are planted in open ground when 2 pairs of real leaves grow in it. A distance of at least 35 cm should be retreated between the holes. Immediately after planting, the soil must be moistened and loosened.

In the future, caring for the monarda will consist in carrying out 2-3 loosening of the soil around them during the season, making additional fertilizing, watering and controlling weeds. It should be watered as the soil dries up; in hot summer conditions, the ground around it should be covered with peat, or it will be necessary to water it more often. For the formation of a large number of stems, during the period of active growth, the application of mineral and organic fertilizers should be alternated.

If you want to make an essential oil from this flower, then it is necessary to cut off the ground part during the period when the monarda massively blooms. You can take flower stalks for making bouquets at any time, as well as collecting leaves for making tea.

Only a few have the opportunity to plant lemon in their garden, but you can grow lemon monarda even in the northern regions. And what is it, in fact, worse than lemon? The aroma is citrus, lemon tea is brewed from it, it is used in cooking.

Once passing by flower stalls that sell seeds, I saw a new plant. It was a monarda, but not simple, but lemon - her flowers are completely different. I looked at this bag and bought it.

I sowed seeds for seedlings in March in ordinary purchased land to a depth of 1-1.5 cm and covered it with a film, at times opened it for airing. The seeds sprouted together, and the seedlings looked like soldiers in the ranks. At first, the seedlings grew slowly, and then quickly began to gain strength. I planted it in the open ground at the end of April, because the monarda seedlings can withstand frosts down to -3.5?, And I put a mini-greenhouse on top. In May, when it finally got warmer, I removed the greenhouse, and the plants started growing very quickly. I put them on a permanent place at a distance of 20 cm from each other. Monarda lemon grows up to 70 cm in height, so I planted it with phlox, chamomile and echinacea.

Since there were a lot of seedlings, I planted it everywhere: both in the sun and in partial shade under the trees. And I noticed that in a sunny place the monard grows in breadth, and in partial shade it blooms longer and brighter. I planted the last seedlings in rows with tomatoes, and the fruits of the tomatoes grew strong and very tasty.

Lemon monarda blooms from June until frost very abundantly. Lilac flowers are collected in inflorescences of 5-6 tiers. Chandelier-like, the leaves are silvery-gray with a metallic sheen. During flowering, the monarda envelops the garden with a pleasant lemon scent.

My lemon monarda bloomed in the first year. It reproduces by dividing the bush, green cuttings. Cutting in water costs up to two weeks and does not lose its appearance and aroma.

For the winter, I cut the monarda at the root and covered it with dry leaves. In spring it grows very early - at the end of March.

I use young leaves for tea and add to spring salads.

For the winter, I harvest raw materials in the flowering phase - the leaves are very tender at this time. I store it in a tightly sealed container until the next harvest.

I also use Monarda in cooking: I put a branch of a plant along with leaves and flowers in a jar when salting cucumbers. She gives a special aroma to apple jam, compotes, jelly. A very tasty tea is obtained if you take 3 tsp for 1 liter of boiling water. black tea (no flavors), 3 tsp. dried leaves and inflorescences of monarda and 50 g of sugar.

Here it is - lemon monarda! Plant it in your garden.

Based on materials from the magazine "I Love Flowers"

see also

Monarda planting and care in the open field Monarda is used as a medicinal and gingerbread plant. Young leaves of lemon monarda are added to salads and tea. A decoction of the leaves and flowers of the tubular monarda is used as a medicinal and tonic tea.

Monarda is a member of the Labium family, which got its name in honor of the botanist and physician from Spain, Nicholas Monardes. This Spanish scientist first described the monarda plant and told about it to Europeans in his books "Medical History of Western India" and "Good News from the New World", calling it a Virginian soulmate or Canadian Origan.

Monarda's lemon scent has many virtues. With him, a person feels himself in a fresh and clean environment. Very attractive for any grower is the fact that many plants that do not belong to citrus can fill his flower garden with this smell. These include lemon balm, lemongrass, some thyme and basil.

However, the most pronounced similarity with citrus is the aroma of monarda, in addition, various shades are mixed in it. That is why in England it is called bergamot, and the official name of one of the species is pronounced like "lemon monard".

Monarda varieties and types

Monarda lemon has a size of 70-90 cm, although rare specimens can reach 100 cm in height. The stem is tetrahedral, erect, has ramifications. The leaves of the plant are oval, elongated, with teeth. The flowers of the plant can have a varied color palette: these are bright red flowers, and snow-white, and deep purple, and bright pink. The inflorescences are 6-7 cm in diameter. They grow on the stem one after the other.

Double monard a herbaceous perennial plant that reaches a size of 0.7-1.5 m. The root is long, horizontal. The stem is tetrahedral, straight, has fine hairs. The leaves are pale green with pink veins, oblong, have large teeth. The flowers are collected in a capitate inflorescence, have a lilac or purple tint.

Monarda bergamot the plant belongs to the labiate family. The plant has a strong root and resistance to all diseases and pests. It is used as a seasoning for meat and salads. Also as a flavoring agent for making jams and many desserts.

Monarda hybrid this name connects all hybrids of double and tubular varieties. It is a perennial with a height of up to 100 cm. The color of flowers can be very varied: from white to purple. Also, the size of flowers is different: from small, collected in inflorescences, to large, single ones. Among the varieties of this hybrid, there are a large number of sub-varieties that differ in the density of flowering, the shade of the leaves, as well as flowers.

Monarda fistus this plant is also a perennial. Belongs to the family of luciferous plants. It has a large number of branched stems, the height of which reaches 60-120 cm. The leaves have teeth. The flowers are lilac, they look like small balls, the diameter of which is about 6 cm.

Monarda Cambridge Scarlet

The plant is a hybrid. Perennial, reaches a size of 80-100 cm. It has a long horizontal root, straight stem. The leaves are pale green, opposite each other, have short petioles. The flowers have a deep red color, collected in a capitate inflorescence. All parts of the plant have a lemon-mint tart aroma. The plant is used both for medicinal purposes and as a seasoning. The variety is resistant to cold, diseases and pests.

Monarda Beauty of Cobham herbaceous perennial that has unique flowers. Belongs to the labiate family. The height of the bush ranges from 700-900 cm, some specimens can reach up to 120 cm. The leaves are oblong with pointed tips. They have a green color and a pleasant aroma. On the stem, they are located opposite each other in pairs.The flowers are small, have a pleasant aroma, and are collected in capitate inflorescences.

Monarda Pink Lace compact plant with pink, rather large flowers, collected in capitate inflorescences. The bush is undersized, only 40 cm tall. The plant is compact, suitable for growing in containers. All parts of the plant have a pleasant scent. Its leaves are used to make tea.

Monarda Cardinal herbaceous perennial plant. The stems are tetrahedral, the height of the bush is up to 150 cm. The flowers can be of various shades, but they are all collected in capitate inflorescences.

Citrodera's Monarda it is a small plant, which reaches a size of 30-35 cm, has flowers collected in a dense plume. Has a pronounced bergamot aroma. Used for growing in flower beds. The leaves are used as a spice.

Perennial monard if you look at the plant from afar, it may seem that huge spiders with furry paws are sitting on the plant. Such a plant has flowers. All parts of the plant exude an extraordinary aroma, so they are used as a spice. Among other things, the flower looks gorgeous in bouquets.

Monarda Schnewitchen

Perennial, which has a long root, the stems of the plant are tetrahedral, reaching a height of 150 cm. The flowers are white, collected in dense whorled inflorescences. They are used for group plantings in flower beds, and also looks great in bouquets.

Monarda Panorama herbaceous perennial. The plant has the shape of a bush with numerous straight stems. Differs in long and abundant flowering. Large capitate inflorescences have a much disheveled appearance. The color is both pale pink and deep red. Gardeners appreciate the plant not only for its beauty, but also for its medicinal and taste qualities. It is used to make tea. On a flowerbed, it looks gorgeous in group plantings.

Monarda Gadenview Scarlet reaches a height of about 100 cm, flowers have a red tone. Used to decorate flower beds in group plantings, looks great in bouquets.

Monarda Pink Supreme the plant has the shape of a bush with a straight stem, the height of which is 70-120 cm, the stem is tetrahedral, the leaves have a pleasant smell.

Monarda Mohawk it is a herbaceous perennial with silvery green leaves and two purple-lilac flowers. The height of the bush is about 100 cm.

Monarda Diana herbaceous perennial plant with a pleasant lemon scent. Forms bushes up to 45 cm in diameter. Small purple flowers, collected in whorled inflorescences. Their appearance is reminiscent of candelabra. A distinctive feature of the hybrid is long and abundant flowering.

Monarda Mahagoni belongs to the family of luciferous plants. The flowers are pleasing in color and attractive in shape. The plant grows up to 110 cm in height. A distinctive feature of the hybrid is its powerful stem and small dark green leaves. The flowers are bright red and have a fairly strong aroma.

Monarda Fireball perennial rather unpretentious plant. The flowers have a dense spherical shape and an unusual wine-red hue.

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Monarda planting and care in the open field

This flower grows best in the sun, but can also thrive in partial shade. True, in this case, its bushes will be lower, and flowering will be less abundant.

It is necessary to select a place for planting plants that will be well protected from the effects of winds, since the stems can bend and bend, losing their beauty.

On hot days, the monarda should be watered moderately, in no case, avoiding waterlogging of the soil. Also, the plant does not like excessively dry soil.

To prevent the appearance of powdery mildew, it is necessary to water the plant in dry weather. If the summer is hot and dry, it is recommended to mulch the soil with peat.

Garden bergamot is one of the varieties of monarda. It is grown during planting and care without much hassle, subject to the rules of agricultural technology.All the necessary recommendations for growing and care can be found in this article.

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Soil for monarda

Monarda is not particularly demanding on soils, but still prefers light calcareous fertile soils. It does not feel very well on heavy, acidic and swampy soils. It can also grow on poor soils, subject to constant feeding.

The soil for the future growth of the flower is prepared in the fall. The soil is dug up, weeds are removed and compost, manure or peat are applied in an amount of 2-3 kilograms per 1 m2, superphosphate - 50 grams and potassium salt - 30 grams.

If the soil is acidic, then it is necessary to additionally add 40 grams of lime for each square meter. In the spring, the soil is enriched with nitrogen fertilization. Plants are planted 60-70 centimeters between rows to provide sufficient space for nutrition and growth.

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Fertilizer for monarda

Plant feeding is carried out during the period of active growth and flowering. Also, the monarda needs additional feeding during the formation of new shoots and during the transition to the dormant period.

• In the spring, the plant should be fed with a complex of mineral fertilizers. After 12 days after that, repeat the procedure.
• In the fall, the monarda is fed with potash and phosphorus compounds.
• During active growth, it is allowed to use foliar dressing. The leaves are sprayed with mineral fertilizers and microelements.
• At an excessively high air temperature, the plant is treated with Epin's solution.

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Monarda in winter

For the winter, the ground part of the plant must be completely cut off, and in the spring it will grow back.

The roots of the plant are frost-resistant and survive the winters well without additional shelter.

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Monarda growing from seeds

When growing monarda from seeds, they are sown in open ground in May to a depth of 1-2 centimeters. Consumption per square meter should be no more than 0.5 grams. In order to disperse the seeds more evenly, they are mixed with sand.

The germination temperature of the seeds is 20 degrees. Seedlings of monarda grow very slowly at first. It is necessary to constantly weed them, preventing weeds from drowning them out. Young plants are transplanted, first at a distance of 10 centimeters from each other, and then at 20. Grown from seeds, the monarda does not bloom in the first year.

If you wish, you can sow seeds in March to get seedlings. The ascended monards, two weeks later, dive according to the scheme of 3 × 3 centimeters. It is possible to plant in open ground only after the threat of frost has passed. The distance between plants in one row is 30 centimeters, and between rows is 60 centimeters. Be sure to water during planting.

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Monarda reproduction by dividing the bush

For reproduction by dividing the bush, it is necessary to pick up a healthy plant, 3-4 years old. The bush is dug up and divided in the fall.

Each of the formed parts should have 3-4 shoots and roots. Delenki are planted, like seedlings, and watered several times.

They practice reproduction of monarda and root segments, considering this method to be the most effective.

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Diseases and pests

When growing in a place that is too dry or over-fertilized, the plant is affected by powdery mildew. Rust can also occur.

For treatment, drugs based on copper are used. They are suitable only in the case of growing monarda for bouquets.

If the plant is eaten, then the processing is carried out by natural means - infusions of onions, garlic or tansy. In general, the flower is quite resistant to both diseases and pests.

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Monarda medicinal properties and contraindications

The essential oil of monarda is very valuable in medicinal terms, especially when it comes to the monarda fistus, although almost all types and varieties of this plant are successfully used by official and traditional medicine.

Almost all of its zones are endowed with healing qualities - flowers, foliage, shoots. These include strengthening the immune system, toning the central nervous system, helping to improve well-being with weakness and fatigue, relieving stress, and getting rid of depression.

At the same time, the substances that make up the oil (in particular, thymol) help the body resist aging, strengthen the strength of the capillary walls, stimulate the diuretic system, and promote the expansion of coronary vessels and lower blood pressure.

Monarda has long been used as a fragrant and healthy spice that improves digestive function. In summer and autumn, when canning takes place, its stems are placed in jars to prevent spoilage of the products they contain.

Lemon monarda is an excellent salad dressing, but for the most part it is used as a flavoring agent for tea, fruit drink or kvass in order to impart a subtle lemon-resinous aroma to drinks.

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Of the 20 species of the Lamb family of annual and perennial grasses, which originate from the North American continent and are widespread from Mexico to Canada, the Monarda plant is noteworthy. Carl Linnaeus, in the name of the flower, immortalized the name of the Spaniard Nicholas Monardes, who devoted his life to healing and botany, and in 1574 published a book about the plants of America.

In his book, Monardes mentioned another name for monarda: the plant was then known as the soulmate of Virginia or Canadian Origano. Once in the Old World, the monarda attracted attention primarily as an essential oil plant and from the 19th century it became better known as bergamot, American lemon balm or lemon mint.

Description of monarda

Monarda in landscape design photo in a flowerbed with other flowers

Perennial and annual monarda belongs to rhizome plants. Its branched or straight stems rise to a height of up to 1.5 meters. Monarda leaves are fragrant, have an oblong-lanceolate shape with a straight or serrated edge. Quite small, with a pleasant smell, two-lipped flowers are collected in dense, up to 7 cm in diameter, racemose or capitate inflorescences. White, yellow, red, speckled flowers are located one above the other along the entire length of the stem. The fruit of the monarda is a nut with seeds inside.

Ripening, the seeds do not lose their germination for 3 years. You can use one site for planting a plant up to 7 years old. Monarda is appreciated not only for the attractive shade of the flower, but also for its unique aroma, which has found its application in cooking as a spice and as an additive to tea. Its qualities of a honey plant are also undeniable.

How to plant monarda seeds in the ground

How to sow monarda with seeds directly into the ground photo of seedlings

Sowing monarda in spring

If the monarda is cultivated in the southern regions, then its seeds are sown directly into the ground. Do this in February, choosing a sunny warm day. A couple of the next, still cool, months will contribute to the natural stratification of seeds. And only in the month of April one can expect the appearance of strong and friendly seedlings, which after a while should be thinned out.

If at the time of sowing there is snow on the ground, you should clear the plot of land and cover it with foil. The ground under the film will warm up well and will be ready for loosening. Before planting seeds in it, the top layer of soil is mixed with sand. Seeds are sown to a depth not exceeding 2.5 cm. It is better to sprinkle the seeds on top with sand, not soil.

Sowing monarda before winter

Many people practice the autumn sowing of monarda after the seeds have been harvested. It is necessary to wait for a cold snap, with night frosts up to 5 ° C. Each region has its own climate, but around winter you can sow already at the end of October, when there is no risk of seed germination in warm weather.

The bed is prepared in advance so that the earth settles and grooves are made at a distance of 20-25 cm.They also sow as little as possible and not deeply, up to 2.5 cm.

With the arrival of spring, the grown seedlings dive to get beautiful and strong bushes. It should be noted that the flower rises slowly.

Growing monarda from seeds for seedlings at home

Monarda from seeds at home photo shoots

This method of growing monarda is preferred first of all.

• So that the seedlings are ready by April, they begin to sow them in January. For this, boxes or containers with drainage are used, into which special soil is poured for growing flowering flowers.
• Seeding depth 1.5-2 cm
• Maintain the temperature at 20 ºC using a stretched cling film or sachet.

The first shoots should be expected after 3-4 weeks. It will take another 3 weeks for the grown seedlings to release the first true leaves. When 2-3 leaves appear, the plants should be cut into individual cups or spacious containers to increase the feeding area according to the scheme: 4x4 or 3x3.

Water it sparingly so as not to flood the seedlings and not to provoke the development of rot. Provide a lot of light, do not allow too high temperatures so that the seedlings do not stretch out. If this happens, carefully add the earth to the level of the leaves so that the plants do not deform.

When the first two pairs of real leaves appear, the monarda seedlings need to start hardening: take the boxes out onto the street or balcony. Starting from an hour or two, increase the time to a full day. One to two weeks of hardening is enough to prepare the plants for transplanting to a permanent outdoor location.

Optimal conditions for planting monarda in the ground

Monarda will please the eye only if the conditions that are necessary for the growth of the plant are created, although they are not difficult. The flower loves sunny, sheltered from the wind, places. The semi-shaded areas of the garden do not scare him either. The soil prefers light, lime-rich. Waterlogged acidic soil negatively affects plant growth.

Spring is the most favorable time for planting crops, although the planting site is prepared in advance, in the fall. To do this, weeds are destroyed and the area is dug up together with peat, manure (at the rate of 2-3kg per 1m2) and a complex of mineral fertilizers, which includes potassium salt (30 g / m2), superphosphate (50 g / m2), lime (40g / m2 ). Before planting in the spring, nitrogen fertilizers are added to the soil (30g / 1m²).

Landing monarda

How to plant a monarda in the ground photo

When 3 pairs of leaves are formed on the seedlings, and this will happen a couple of months after the appearance of the first shoot, they are transferred to open prepared soil.

When planting, they maintain a distance between the bushes equal to 60 cm. After planting, the monarda must be watered abundantly. She is not afraid of spring frosts down to -5 ºС and easily tolerates them. With seed planting, the flowering of monarda can be observed only after a year. If the monard is planted using seedlings, then some of its specimens can please with their flowering in the year of planting.

How to care for a monarda in the garden

The main thing is to ensure frequent but moderate watering of the plant in the summer. If the heat is established for a long time, then the monarda should be watered daily. A hot season with a lack of watering can bring a disease dangerous to the plant - powdery mildew. It will be good during this period to mulch the soil under the monard with peat and constantly loosen it.

To feed the crop, use granulated Agricola or Kemira twice a month during the entire growing season. A mullein diluted in a ratio of 1 to 10 will not interfere with her. To prevent insects, the plant is treated with Fundazol or Bordeaux mixture in the spring and autumn.

How to propagate a monarda by dividing a bush

Unfortunately, during seed reproduction, there is no need to talk about the preservation of varietal traits if you grow beautiful hybrid forms.

To preserve the variety, you will have to deal with dividing a bush 3-4 years old. When to transplant a monarda? This can be done twice a year: in April, if the soil is well warmed up, or with the onset of autumn. To do this, the roots are freed from the ground from the dug bush and divided by eye.

Ready-made new bushes are planted at the same level as before dividing, in pre-prepared holes. Since the transplanted bushes will grow strongly in a couple of years (up to 1 m in diameter), then it will be necessary to transplant this plant by dividing the bush quite often.

Propagation of monarda by cuttings

How to propagate monarda by cuttings photo

You can use the cuttings method when propagating a plant.

• To do this, choose 7 - 10 centimeter cuttings, which are formed from the grown green shoots of the monarda, but have not yet begun to bloom.
• The leaves in the lower part of the cutting are completely cut off, the upper ones are cut by 1/3 part.

How to plant a monarda with cuttings

• Cuttings are planted in a pre-prepared box or pots with a loose nutrient substrate and removed in a dark place.
• You can just put the cuttings in the water.
• After 2-3 weeks, the root system will form in the cuttings of the monarda and they will be ready for transplanting into open ground. It is better to do this in August.

Possible diseases and pests of Monarda

Monarda possesses paradoxical resistance to both diseases and numerous plant pests. Scientists attribute this phenomenon to the presence of essential oils in the roots of the plant. Despite this, with insufficient watering, when there is an unbearable heat, powdery mildew can affect the monarda. A verified irrigation regime and soil mulching will help get rid of it. Very rarely, a plant can attack a tobacco mosaic virus or rust virus and settle in a weevil.

How to collect monarda seeds

How to collect monarda seeds photo

Seed ripening occurs at the end of August and at the beginning of September. When the plant fades, you need to be careful. To prevent the seeds from spilling out, you need to cut off the dried testes and put them in a shady place until they are completely ripe and dry. When the baskets dry well, the seeds easily spill out of the tubular seedlings.

There are several ways to handle the harvested seeds. First, they can be sown immediately. The resulting seedlings will find their permanent habitat only in the spring. Secondly, the seeds are well stored and do not lose their germination for 3 years. If there is no need to update the monard, then you can use them later. It is important to remember that a monarda grown from seeds of hybrid plants will never retain its parental properties. The seed method is used only for cultivating varietal plants.

Preparing monarda for winter

Leaving seeds that you don't need on the bushes can be a great food for hungry birds in the fall. What remains of the annual culture is removed from the flower bed in late autumn. In the spring, self-seeding sprouts will appear in the same place.

As for the perennial monarda, it is frost-resistant (it can withstand temperatures of - 25ºC). If the frosts in your area are much stronger, you need shelter for the winter:

• Make hilling 20-25 cm high.
• Cover the top with a layer of straw or hay 10-15 cm thick.
• To prevent the shelter from being blown away by the wind, press down on the mulch with boards and bricks.

In winter, it will be good to pour a layer of snow on top. In the spring, with the onset of warmth, they remove the shelter and remove the pile of earth so that the plant wakes up early.

Monarda varieties with photos and names

Annual types of culture:

Citrus monarda or lemon Monarda citriodora

Citrus monarda or lemon Monarda citriodora growing from seeds planting and caring for photos

It is almost the only annual, reaching a height of 15 - 95 cm. Its narrow lanceolate leaves, stem and small lilac flowers contain essential oil, which is not inferior in composition to the essential oil of basil and mint.Therefore, citrus monarda is cultivated both as a decorative flower and as a spice.

Hybrid monarda Lambada Monarda lambada

Monarda hybrid Lambada Monarda lambada cultivation and care of a photo

It is the brainchild of Dutch breeders. When crossed, several Citriodora groups were used, the aroma of young leaves of which is very similar to lemon.

Point monarda Monarda punctata

Spot monarda Monarda punctata cultivar Leu photo Cultivation and care

It is also called horse mint. The attractiveness of this species is given by the bright orange leaves located around the inflorescence. The flower can reach 80 cm in height.

Types of perennial monarda:

Double monarda Monarda didyma

Double monarda Monarda didyma planting and care photos

In the wild, it is found near the Great Lakes, the first description of which dates back to 1656. It grows up to 80 cm tall. It is a herbaceous perennial with erect stems in the shape of a tetrahedron. Opposite, edged, leaves are oval toothed with a pointed end. They grow up to 12 cm long and have reddish stipules. The petiole is almost absent.

The plant's rhizome grows horizontally. Smallish lilac or purple flowers are collected in dense, up to 5 cm in diameter, capitate-type inflorescences. The leaf-like shape of the bracts, matching in color with the flowers, lends elegance to this species.

Fist or tubular Monarda fistulosa wild bergamot

Fist or tubular monarda fistulosa growing from seeds photo

Naturally grows in forests in the East of the North American continent. In Europe, it is cultivated for spices. This multi-stemmed perennial grows up to 0.6 - 1.20 m in height. Its simple, serrated leaves are covered with hairs.

Small lilac flowers are connected in false-type whorls. The flowers are surrounded by red stipules, which gather in capitate spherical inflorescences. On a single peduncle there are 5-9 inflorescences, each of which has a diameter of 5-7 cm. It has been known since 1637. The dwarf-shaped fist monard Victoria was bred in Russia.

Hybrid monarda x hybrida

Hybrid monarda monarda x hybrida cultivation and care of the photo

This name combined the varieties obtained by breeders of Great Britain, Germany and the USA by combining the double and fistula monarda. The height of the hybrids reaches 1 meter.
The number of color shades is striking in its variety. Here are some of them:

• white: Snow White, Snow Maiden, Schneewittchen
• burgundy: Bordeaux Moldova, Prarienakht
• reds: Adam, Balance, Cambridge Scarlet, Petite Delight, Mahogeny
• lavender: Elsiz Levende
• magenta: Cardinal, Prairie Glow, Sunset
• purple: Zinta-Zinta, Pony, Fishee
• Purple-purple hue: Blaustrumpf, Blue Stocking.

Monarda cambridge scarlet monarda cambridge scarlet photo

The Panorama variety unites a monarda of a variety of color shades from snow-white, pink to crimson, purple and burgundy.

The healing properties of monarda

Perennial flower monarda photo useful properties

Homeopathy widely uses monarda as a source of essential oil, vitamins C, B1, B2 and other active biological components. Of course, the most valuable thing in monard is essential oil, known for its bactericidal properties, which have antianemic, antioxidant, anti-stress, reproductive effects.

The systematic use of this oil clears the aorta from sclerotic plaques, helps to cope with radiation sickness, viral flu, and to tighten weak immunity. It is recommended to use Monarda for the following diseases: pneumonia, otitis media, cystitis, indigestion, diseases of the oral cavity. It relieves headaches, fungal infections of the nails and feet.

Cosmetologists include monarda in the composition of preparations intended for oily (acne prone) skin, used as a component of a cream of the age category 45+.

Seasonings for fish and vegetable dishes are prepared from the leaves of monarda. They are brewed like tea, added to soups and salads.

To whom the monard is contraindicated in any form

Of course, the monard is useful, but its excessive use is harmful to the body.First of all, the monard is contraindicated for pregnant women and nursing mothers, as well as for children under 5 years of age. It is excluded not only the use of monarda inside, but also in the form of raw materials for an aroma lamp.

A perennial plant of the Yasnotkov family, monarda, is used for medicinal purposes and in cooking, because of its decorative properties it is popular with gardeners. Thanks to the rich color palette of inflorescences - it contains white, lilac, scarlet, purple, pink, and wine shades of red, flower beds and flower beds with a monarda are spectacular.

The title photo shows Monarda Dydima, variety "Pardon my purple".

Basic information

Monarda is an essential oil flower, the stems of the bush are straight, with jagged green leaves, many small inflorescences appear on the bush during flowering, and the smell from the plant intensifies, attracting bees.

For your information. The plant is known as essential oil, its green parts have a bergamot aroma (for which monarda is called bergamot) and are used to brew herbal tea.

The leafy drink has a mint flavor and a citrusy bergamot aroma, an herbal tea known as Oswego tea. Like many of the ornamental plants, the monard came to Europe from North America. In the New World, the Indians prepared antipyretic drugs from medicinal herbs, applied them to wounds as an antiseptic, with aqueous solutions prepared from leaves, and looked after the oral cavity.

And now gardeners, on occasion, remember the healing properties of the plant, use its green parts, adding leaves to salads, meat dishes.

Historical reference. In Europe, they learned about the monard from the book by Nicholas Monardes, in which the botanist described new plants found in America. In the book, this flower is called "Canadian Origan", "Verginsky soul mate". The name of the monard was given to the flower genus by Karl Linnaeus in honor of the author of the book N. Monardes, a doctor and botanist.

The essential oil flower spreads a scent around itself during all the time of growth, its citrus notes are liked by people, butterflies, and bees. The smell frightens off harmful insects.

A useful fragrant plant is grown in pots and open ground of flower beds. The perennial reaches its greatest decorativeness by the 5th year of growth, when about 100 peduncles bloom on a lush bush at the same time.

Types and varieties

Today, there are about 2 dozen types of monarda. Of these, the most common in horticulture are:

• Monarda citriodora... The fragrant plant, rich in essential oils, is used by gardeners as a culture for making spicy seasonings for salads and meat dishes. Fragrant leaves and flowers with a lemon-resinous scent and a mint hue are added to tea, jam, kvass. The entire ground part of the bush is used in the production of wines, the essential oil obtained from the plant is added for aromatization in cosmetics. Perennial Monarda citrus bergamot is often grown as an annual flower - the delicate leaves are good for tea, seasonings, and dishes.

Due to its decorative properties, a flower with beautiful inflorescences is used to decorate garden plots.

• Monarda double (Monarda didyma)... A two-in-one effect is also obtained by gardeners when growing this most popular type of flower. Prepared from the ground parts, herbal tea has antipyretic and analgesic properties. A flower with bright inflorescences of dark and light shades of red, white and purple-lilac with a pointed lush cap, the plant is used as an ornamental one.

• Monarda fistulosa possesses a pronounced citrus aroma and is valued as an essential oil plant with medicinal properties. The plant is used for bactericidal effects, stimulating appetite, improving digestion.Young greens of the plant are added to salads, soups, tea, sauces, seasonings for meat, the ground parts of the bush are used to flavor wine (vermouth), prepare spicy seasonings, in cosmetology. Dwarf varieties of this species are popular.

In gardens, the flower is grown as an ornamental and melliferous plant, used to make bouquets. Monarda fisty blooms for 2-3 years of growth with inflorescences of a delicate lilac color. The bush of an adult plant stretches up to 120 cm.

The flower is known as wild bergamot, horse mint.

Monarda varieties are widespread and in demand:

• Citrodera Harlequin. It is a compact annual plant with a delicate bergamot aroma and an original flower stalk composed of densely spaced inflorescences.

• Mona Lisa. An annual plant with dark purple-lilac buds and a strong lemon scent. It is recommended to be grown for the preparation of spices and for flavoring drinks and canned foods.

• Diana (Monarda citriodora)... This perennial plant is planted as a medicinal, ornamental crop and for the preparation of spices, herbal tea, aromatization of drinks. The varietal monarda blooms with beautiful pink-lilac flowers, 5-6 inflorescences on each branch of the bush. The formed bush stretches up to 45 cm in height, its shoots are strong, with lanceolate leaves.

• Monarda hybrid (Monarda lambada) represented by varieties bred in Germany, the Netherlands. They exude a strong aroma and are less demanding on growing conditions.

For your information. Breeding works are aimed at improving the decorative properties of the flower and obtaining green mass with a high content of essential oils. It is used on an industrial scale, in addition to cooking and cosmetology, for the preparation of homeopathic formulations.

Means in homeopathic doses with Monarda help in the treatment of otitis media, cystitis, pneumonia, psoriasis, bronchitis.

Due to its antibacterial properties, the plant is used to inhibit the formation of black mold.

Popular varieties of hybrid monarda - with white Schneewittchen flowers, with red Cambridge Scarlet, Balance. A variety with purple-purple Blaustrumpi inflorescences, with pink Cratly Pink, with lilac Elsieys Lavender, and burgundy Praerienachr is in demand.

Schneewittchen cultivar

• Panorama Mix... The variety is obtained from double moranda. It is popular for the fact that it retains its decorative effect for a long time, peduncles from small inflorescences of different shades of red and purple delight during flowering. In place of the faded inflorescences, boxes-nuts with seeds are formed, which enliven the autumn, sometimes winter, landscape. Flowers are grown for cutting, used in landscape design.

• Terry "Fairy Tale". The winter-hardy variety is valued as an ornamental plant with inflorescences of a rare delicate amethyst color and a delicate honey-mint aroma emanating from the entire bush. Perennial grows quickly, bush well, blooms in the second half of summer, blooms profusely.

The variety is also grown because of its medicinal, taste, and melliferous properties.

Growing from seeds

Monarda is planted in open ground with seeds at the end of springwhen the weather is stable and warm (the optimum temperature for germination of seeds is + 20 ° С) and frosts are not expected, to a depth of 2 cm. To sow the seed evenly, sand is added to the seeds.

The emerged plants grow slowly, when leaves appear on the plant, the sowing is thinned out, leaving the plants at a distance of 10 cm. With the next thinning, the interval between developing bushes is doubled. When planted with seeds, the bush does not bloom in the first year of life.

Can at the end of March, in April, sow seeds for seedlings... Seedlings after 2 weeks of development should be dived. After a stable heat has been established, the seedlings are planted, observing the distance between the plants of 30 cm, and between the rows up to 70 cm.

Landing

For planting monards choose a sunny place or with light partial shade, protected from the wind. The soil should be fertile and retain moisture well.

The flower is hygrophilous, therefore it needs regular watering. To retain moisture in areas with dry, hot summers, it is recommended to mulch the soil.

Care during the growing season

A plant that is undemanding in care needs to be watered and fed with complex nitrogen-containing fertilizers for a quick set of green mass. It is necessary to feed the monard during flowering. The bush diluted in water should be watered regularly after 2 weeks.

Autumn care and preparation for winter

In the autumn, the bush is fed with long-acting potash and phosphorus fertilizers. Dry granules are placed shallow in the soil under the bush, they are slowly dissolved in water. The nutrient composition accumulates in the roots by spring and stimulates the rapid development of the plant with abundant flowering next year.

In the fall, pruning of the bush is recommended.

Diseases, pests, problems

Flower winter-hardy, unpretentious to growing conditions, disease resistant... Thanks to the essential oils of the root system, it repels pests living in the soil, and the aromas of the ground part repel insects that feed on green matter.

Rarely a bush can be affected fungal rust, tobacco mosaic virus, weevil... When a flower is susceptible to powdery mildew disease, it can be seen in the leaves. Their greenery with a cloudy bloom indicates a disease. This often happens during dry hot days due to lack of moisture.

To preserve the high decorative properties of the flower, it is necessary to maintain a comfortable soil moisture for the plant and provide prophylaxis against diseases and pests.

In the spring, before the intensive growth of the bush, and in the fall, before wintering, it is good to spray the plant with a solution of copper sulfate or foundazol.

Application in landscape design

Disease-resistant monarda is used in flower beds of garden plots, in landscape design of park areas. The flower tolerates the harsh winter conditions of Russia without or with light shelter. Monarda decorate lawns, flowers are planted along the fence, used in the design of hedges, grown for cutting.

With the monarda, the flower garden acquires a bright accent and becomes fragrant. In mixborders, a combination of a North American beauty with:

1. decorative wormwood;
2. yarrow;
3. roses of different shades;
4. rudbeckia;
5. goldenrod;
6. slothful;
7. heliopsis;
8. perennial phlox;
9. bells;
10. large chamomile;
11. curly beans;
12. climbing nasturtium;
13. perennial asters.

A perennial plant can be supplemented with annuals - space, zinnia.

Composition with hosts, nasturtium, daylilies is appropriate in semi-shady places. Monarda - as a bright accent.

Bright mixborder with a monarda. One can argue about whether these two bright shades are appropriate here.

A very good option for a mixed border.

Monarda and rudbeckia.

Monarda goes well with astilba.

The highlight of this flower bed is the combination of vertical and horizontal spots, sharp lines of bulbous flowers and grasses, and soft surfaces created by stonecrop.

Where to buy seeds

Monarda seeds are not uncommon and are widely represented in online stores, seeds can be ordered and bought with mail delivery.

Review on video

About the decorative and taste properties of the plant - in the video review from the Dacha TV channel.