Monard, Indian nettle, golden balm

Plant family

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Semi-shaded

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Seeding distance

40 cm

Row spacing

40 cm

Seeding depth

0.5 cm

Instructions

Description

Indian nettle, bergamot, golden balm, bee balm or - based on the botanical name - monarda: the species of the genus Monarda have many names in Germany. The most common is the German name Indian nettle, because the species, which originates from North America, was used as a medicinal plant by the Indians long before it was introduced as an ornamental plant. The herb, which belongs to the Lamiaceae family, got its German name from its nettle-like, aromatically fragrant leaves, which the Oswego Indians used to make a tea against colds. The individual pink, white, purple or red flowers are arranged in dense, fringed whorls and attract many bees and other insects from June to September. Horse mint (Monarda punctata) in particular is a real bee magnet. Depending on the species and variety, the height of the monarda varies between 60 and 120 centimeters. Thanks to increasing demand, there are now a large number of species and varieties available on the market. Most of them are crosses or offspring of the North American golden balm (Monarda didyma) and the wild Indian nettle (Monarda fistulosa), which is native to Mexico and California. These two species are also suitable for making lemonade. Lemon Monarda (Monarda citriodora) also gives drinks a unique, slightly lemony flavor.

Growing tips

Indian nettles prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich, moderately moist soil. In their native habitat, Indian nettles grow in sparse woodland and on the edges of trees and shrubs, so they tolerate partial shade very well. They also do well in full sun, but the soil needs to be a little more moist. As the location requirements vary considerably, you should check the information on the label when buying. Regardless of species and variety, Indian nettles do not tolerate waterlogging. They also do not like soils that are wet in winter.