Lemon Mint (Monarda citriodora), also called lemon beebalm or lemon bergamot, is an aromatic annual or biennial with lemon-scented leaves and tiered pink-purple flowers. It belongs to the mint family but is a different plant from ordinary podina (Mentha). Grow it in a sunny border or a roomy container with well-drained soil. The leaves can flavour tea and food, and the flowers attract pollinators. It can self-seed where conditions suit it.

🪴 Growing Guide

1. Sowing:
   1. Setup: Use a seed-starting tray or small pots with seed-starting mix.
   2. Sow: Place seeds on the surface, press lightly, space 1 inch apart.
   3. Transplant: Move seedlings after 2–3 true leaves develop. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions and leave about 60 cm (24 inches) between established plants.
2. Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy. Water gently to avoid disturbing seeds.
3. Feeding: Avoid routine strong feeding, which can make lemon beebalm floppy. If established container plants need extra nutrients, use a light application of a balanced fertilizer at its labelled container rate. Flowering is not a reason to switch to a fruiting fertilizer.
4. Sunlight: Provide as much direct sunlight as possible for optimal growth.
5. Pests: Use neem oil for pest control when pests are detected.