Bergamot (Monarda citriodora) is an herb that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Bergamot (Monarda citriodora).
This plant is commonly known as bergamot.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: bergamot
Scientific name: Monarda citriodora
Plant type: Herbs, Perennials
Habit: Bushy
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: City & Courtyard Gardens, Informal Garden
Planting type: Cut Flowers, Flower borders and bedding, Low Maintenance
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Bergamot (Monarda citriodora) – Michael Wolf, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Bergamot (Monarda citriodora), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Bergamot (Monarda citriodora) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in clay, loam or sand.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Monarda citriodora likes to grow in moist but well drained soil.
Sunlight
Bergamot (Monarda citriodora) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Bergamot (Monarda citriodora) – Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
