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The Forest Service National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources (RNGR) is a leading source of technical information for nurseries and land managers regarding production and planting of trees and other native plants for reforestation, restoration, and conservation.

 
NPN Protocol Details Image

Monarda (fistulosa)

Jan Schultz
Forest Plant Ecologist
USDA FS - Hiawatha National Forest
1030 Wright Street
Marquette, Michigan 49855
906.228.8491
906.228.4484 (fax)
jschultz@fs.fed.us
http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/copmc/
Family Scientific Name: Labiatae
Family Common Name: Mint Family
Scientific Name: Monarda fistulosa L.
Common Name: Wild bergamot, Bee balm
Species Code: MOFI
General Distribution: Of dry open, gravelly or rocky ground, oak or pine woodland, prairies, fields, and roadsides. Occasionally in sedge meadows or at edges of woods or thickets. A typical member of the Mint family with square stems and fragrant foliage when crushed. A showy terminal whorl of lilac to pink flowers. Height to 2'.
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Time To Grow: 0
Propagule Collection: Seed is collected by hand from locally native plants within the eastern central Upper Peninsula. Flowers during July and August. Seed is 1/16" nutlets and is harvested in October. Cut seed head shake out seed. Extract more seeds by rubbing the seed heads on hand; the seeds will easily come out. Seeds are small and black. Seed is not cleaned.
Propagule Processing: Dry seeds for 1 to 2 weeks in open paper bags or open Rubbermaid-style bins. Keep in a cool dry place (refrigerator or cold garage) until planted. Cold store until planted (up to 3 years).
Pre-Planting Treatments: None are used. The seed readily germinates on its own.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:		 Propagation Environment: Greenhouse made of Standard U.V. 3HL Clear 6 mil (J.R. Johnson's Supply Inc.) Fans run continuously to circulate the air. Vents open during the summer months to allow for cooling. Container Type: Grows best in 24 cell (2"diameter), 14"x8.5"x4" deep. Growing Media: Scotts Redi-earth Plug and Seedling Mix. Contains vermiculite, and sphagnum peat moss. Soil is sterile.
Add enough water to the soil to saturate. Mix soil with a trowel. Cover the holes on the bottom/sides of the plug tray cells with newspaper, as the soil will fall through. Fill cells with damp soil and press the soil down with a spoon. Refill the cell plugs with soil to the top, this time not pressing it down. Thoroughly moisten soil in the plug cells, but do not saturate. Sow the seeds by hand at a rate of about 3-5 seeds in each cell. Covet the seeds with a thin layer of soil or gently press seeds into the dirt. Sow February until late July.
Establishment Phase: From Jan. until Aug. the greenhouse thermostat is set at 65 degrees F both day and night. Ambient greenhouse temperatures may reach 100 degrees F during the day in the summer. From Sept. thru Dec. the thermostat is set at 55 degrees F. During this season ambient greenhouse temperatures may reach 75 degrees F during the day. The greenhouse holds plants at all stages of growth so the temperature setting stays the same for all plants at all stages of growth. Soil is kept consistently damp during germination. Water using a fine mist or light hose setting only. Newly planted trays are placed on the south side of the greenhouse. No artificial light is used.
Active Growth Phase: The soil does not need to be kept consistently moist. Move trays to cooler north greenhouse tables. No fertilizers are used.
Hardening Phase: In early-late spring, mature plants can be moved into a cold frame with a cover of material that diffuses sunlight to prevent scorching of the plants. When danger of frost has passed leave plants outside. Water less frequently.
Harvesting, Storage and Shipping: In the Upper Peninsula, flats are transplanted into the field from late May to early October. Flats that are not transplanted in the summer remain in the greenhouse for another growing season. Transplant if needed.
Other Comments: Attracts a variety of butterflies and birds. May be susceptible to deer grazing. High germination rate.

Citation:

Schultz, Jan; Beyer, Patty; Williams, Julie. 2001. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Monarda fistulosa L. plants USDA FS - Hiawatha National Forest Marquette, Michigan. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/07/02). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.