A Detailed Guide to the Sowing Season and Propagation Methods of Bee Balm

There are many kinds of mint, and we can clearly distinguish different mints according to their place of origin and their different effects and functions. Bee balm is one kind of mint. It is native to the Americas, so it is called bee balm, and it is also called horsemint. As for the cultivation techniques for bee balm, the editor will explain them to you in detail below.

What Season to Sow Bee Balm

Sow bee balm in spring and autumn.

Before sowing, you can soak the seeds in warm water below 40°C for 24 hours. When soaking the seeds, remove the plump-less seeds floating on the water surface before sowing; this can promote fast and uniform sprouting. For seeds that are relatively large with hard seed coats, you should cut open the seed coat with a sharp knife before sowing, which can shorten the emergence time and increase the germination rate.

When sowing, you can use broadcast sowing or dibbling, but dibbling saves more seeds. After sowing, lightly cover with clean medium; the covering thickness should preferably not exceed twice the thickness of the seeds. After sowing, seal the surface of the pot with plastic wrap, and poke several holes in the plastic wrap. On one hand, this can keep moisture; on the other hand, it can prevent the seeds from being affected by external forces. Finally, place the seeds in a cool, ventilated place and wait quietly for germination.

When new shoots sprout, the pot should be moved to a bright place, but it must not be directly exposed to the sun. When the seedlings grow tall enough to touch the plastic wrap, the plastic wrap can be removed. When the seedlings grow two leaves, they can be placed in a spot with direct sunlight in the morning and evening to avoid leggy growth. At this time, you can also begin fertilizing once a week. When the seedlings have about 5 or more leaves, they can be transplanted into 3-inch pots.

Propagation Methods for Bee Balm

1. Sowing method for bee balm

Sowing is generally carried out in spring and autumn.

Choose fertile, loose soil, prepare a slightly larger flowerpot, fill it with soil, and water it thoroughly.

Evenly scatter the seeds in the soil, and try to keep the spacing between each seed at about 1~2 cm, so that after emergence there will be no need for thinning, which would affect the growth of the seedlings.

After sowing, keep the temperature at 21~24°C. They germinate 10~21 days after sowing, with a germination rate as high as over 90%. They can bloom after 4 months.

2. Cutting method for bee balm

If you have no seeds, let alone bee balm, you can ask a friend for help. Cut a few sections of branches and bring them back, and you can root a full pot.

From April to May each year, cut vigorous, plump branches free of pests and diseases, 5~8 cm long, and insert them directly firmly into the pot soil.

For the soil, you can choose ordinary garden soil and add some vermiculite to increase water permeability, or use akadama soil.

Cuttings can basically take root in 2 weeks. After the root system is slightly stable, you can consider repotting and planting them anew.

3. Division method for bee balm

The division method is mainly carried out in spring and autumn, but certain conditions are required. The plant must have grown for more than 3 years, and new buds must be produced around the old plant.

Bee balm has a very strong tillering ability. You can dig out the tender buds around the old plant and plant them directly. Or take the plant out of the pot, divide the clumps, and plant them separately.

Bee balm has a very strong capacity for propagation by division, and because of its relatively strong spreading ability, it must be divided and replanted once every 2~3 years. You can combine division with repotting.

Growth Habits of Bee Balm

Bee balm likes a cool, humid, sunny environment, and can also tolerate partial shade. Bee balm has strong adaptability and is not very particular about soil choice.

If you casually scatter bee balm seeds by the roadside, they can grow in flowerpots. It is not cold-tolerant and not drought-tolerant, and grows well in a humid environment.

Uses of Bee Balm

1. Ornamental use of bee balm

Bee balm has bright flowers and a long flowering period, making it a very good ornamental flower. Bee balm has strong adaptability and can be planted in the open field, or planted under trees and beside ponds as an ornamental flower, not merely as a foliage plant. Or grow it in a pot indoors to decorate the home. Wouldn't it be great to have such a pot at home, a plant whose flowers can be viewed, whose leaves can be viewed, and which can also be eaten?

2. Edible value of bee balm

Bee balm is also edible. Although it is not the same type of plant as ordinary mint, it has not let down the word “mint”. Bee balm can be made into sauces, vinegar, vegetables, desserts, or candies, and can also be used for flavoring beverages, toothpaste, and medicines. Making mint into essential oil has a very good cooling and refreshing effect, and can also treat vomiting. Dried bee balm leaves can also be used to brew tea, and as an herb used in aromatherapy.

3. Medicinal value of bee balm

The leaves of bee balm have certain medicinal value. After crushing the leaves, soak them in hot boiled water and drink as tea, which can treat headaches and fever. Bee balm itself has a very good stimulating effect, helps digestion, and reduces gas in the stomach and intestines.

In addition, bee balm gives off a cool fragrance and has the effects of calming the body and mind, reducing stress, lifting the spirits, and sterilizing. Placing a pot at home or on an office desk can ensure a refreshed mind all day.

There are many propagation methods for bee balm, and at the same time bee balm's uses are also very wide-ranging. As one kind of mint, bee balm also inherits the rich fragrance of the mint family, has very good stress-relieving and soothing effects, and is a plant very suitable for home cultivation and with health-preserving effects.