Bee Balm (also known as Monarda) is one of those absolute showstoppers that every garden needs. Not only is it a stunning pop of color, but it’s also a hardy medicinal herb that’s incredibly low-maintenance. If you want more of these beauties in your yard, you’re in luck! You can easily propagate them by dividing the plants, taking cuttings, or starting from seed.
Propagating Bee Balm by Division
Scarlet Monarda—named for those brilliant, fiery red blooms—actually benefits from being divided every four or five years. Think of it as a spa day for the mother plant; it prevents her from getting too “old” and woody in the center, while effectively doubling your flower power for free. The best time to divide your Bee Balm is in the spring or fall. This refresh helps the original plant focus on producing brand-new blooms.
Growing from Cuttings
Taking cuttings is a super simple way to get new plants. Aim for early summer, usually around June or early July, for the best results. Here’s how to do it:
- Look for healthy shoots about four to six inches long that don’t have any flowers on them.
- Flowers zap the energy needed for root growth, so if you see any buds, just pinch them off.
- When cutting your stems, make sure to cut at an angle.
- That slanted surface helps the cutting soak up water more efficiently.
- Strip off all the leaves except for the top two.
- Stick your cuttings into some high-quality seed-starting mix.
- Place the pots in a warm, bright spot.
- Keep them out of direct sunlight so they don’t fry, and make sure the soil stays consistently moist.
- Wait until the following spring before transplanting your new babies out into the garden.
Sowing Seeds
While dividing and taking cuttings are quick and easy, they’ll only give you exact clones of the plants you already have. If you’re looking to introduce some variety to your flower beds, growing from seed is the way to go.
You can sow the seeds directly into the ground starting in mid-May. If you’re eager to get a head start, you can also start them indoors in seed trays as early as February or March. Just remember: don’t bury them deep! Bee Balm seeds need light to germinate, so just barely cover them with a dusting of soil and keep them in a bright location.
