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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)

John M. Englert
USDA NRCS - Norman A. Berg National Plant Materials Center
Bldg. 509, BARC - East, E. Beaver Dam Road
Beltsville, Maryland 20705
(301) 504-8175
(301) 504-8741 (fax)
john.englert@wdc.usda.gov
http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/mdpmc/
Family Scientific Name: Lamiaceae
Family Common Name: Mint Family
Scientific Name: Monarda fistulosa
Common Name: Wild bergamot
Species Code: MONFIS
Ecotype: Shenandoah National Park
General Distribution: Quebec to Manitoba and British Columbia, south to Georgia, Louisiana and Arizona. Found in upland woods, thickets and prairies.
Propagation Goal: seeds
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Propagules (seeds, cuttings, poles, etc.)
Time To Grow: 0
Target Specifications: Stock Type: Container plug seedling. Height: 3-4". Root System: Firm, full plug that fills the container.
Propagule Collection: Collected at Shenandoah National Park, South end, Miles 98-102.5, Mile 3-4 by J. Englert on 8/20-1/92, 9/21/92 and 9/28/93.
Propagule Processing: Seed Processing: Seed is hand-harvested from National Plant Materials Center production blocks in August. It is cleaned using a debearder, large clipper and small clipper, screens 1/25 + solid, low air flow, vents 1/4 open.
Seeds/Kg: 3,333,000.
Germination: Untested. Production has varied from 80 to 725 plugs per gram of seed sown. Between 500 and 700 plugs have been produced per gram of seed that is stratified. Plugs may have multiple seedlings.
Purity: 100%.
Pre-Planting Treatments: Seed treatment: Germination has been improved, even doubled, by giving seeded trays a minimum of two weeks cool, moist stratification at 40§F.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:		 Propagation Environment: Greenhouse with alternating day/night temperatures; daytime temperatures varied from 70-85186;F during the winter months depending on natural solar; night temperatures averaged around 65-68§F.

Seed Propagation Method: Hand sown into plug trays.

Container Type and Volume: Seed has been sown into 392 plug trays and seedlings transplanted to 72 plug trays or Ropak multipots, or direct sown into the 72 plug trays and multipots. Because we stratify the seeded trays, the volume of plugs needed determines if we direct seed into the final container.

Growing Media: Germination mix is used for starts in 392's. For 72 plug trays and multipot containers: fill about 3/4 full of Sunshine #1 or #5 potting mix, amended with 18-6-8,180-day Nutricote SR at 0.15 lb./cu. ft., or 20 oz. per 3.8 cu. ft. bale of potting media. Cells are topped with germination mix and seed is sown into this.
Establishment Phase: Sowing Date: January.

% Emergence and Date: 7-10 days.

Sowing/Planting Technique: Seed is hand-sown and lightly covered with germination mix. (It is easy to over seed the containers resulting in the need to thin seedlings later.) Trays are given a Triathlon fungicidal drench, covered in clear plastic and placed in a seed cooler for a 2 week stratification period.


Establishment Phase: Germination occurs within 7-10. Substrate is kept evenly moist during germination.
Active Growth Phase: Rapid Growth Phase: Monarda is especially susceptible to powdery mildew and can be bothered by the usual greenhouse pests such as broad and spider mites and white flies. Spot treat as needed. We have found that periodic cut backs rejuvenate top growth, allow air circulation, encourage root growth and eliminate many pests. These plants do not do well in plug trays for extended periods of time and may need spacing within the plug tray. Fertilized lightly approximately bi-weekly or as needed with soluble fertilizer at approximately 75-100 ppm N.
Hardening Phase: Hardening Phase: Two weeks prior to outplanting, the greenhouse is cooled down or plugs are moved outdoors, depending on weather, and fertilization is stopped.
Harvesting, Storage and Shipping: Total Time to Harvest: Approximately 13 weeks from germination to finished plug.

Harvest Date: Plugs are not overwintered.

Seed storage: In seed bags in National Plant Materials Center cooler at 40186;F and 35% relative humidity.

Seed dormancy: Germination has been improved, even doubled, by giving seeded trays a minimum of two weeks cool, moist stratification at 40§F.
Other Comments: Foliage has spicy fragrance.
References: Gleason, H. A. and A. Cronquist. 1991. Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada, 2nd edition. New York Botanical Garden.

Citation:

Davis, Kathy M.; Kujawski, Jennifer. 2001. Propagation protocol for production of Propagules (seeds, cuttings, poles, etc.) Monarda fistulosa seeds USDA NRCS - Norman A. Berg National Plant Materials Center Beltsville, Maryland. 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.