Squaw

created by Alex at 15.02.2025

Season Overview

Propagating

Planting

Harvest

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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 our country. The most common name, however, is the German Indian nettle, as 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 perennial, which belongs to the Lamiaceae family, got its German name from its nettle-like, aromatic leaves, which the Oswego Indians used to make a tea to treat colds. The individual pink, white, purple or red flowers sit together in dense, fringed whorls and attract many bees and other insects from June to September. Horse mint (Monarda punctata) in particular is a real magnet for bees. Depending on the species and variety, the height of the monarda varies between 60 and 120 centimetres. Thanks to increasing demand, a large number of species and varieties are now commercially available. Most of them are crosses or descendants of the golden balm (Monarda didyma) from North America and the wild Indian nettle (Monarda fistulosa) native to Mexico and California. These two species are also suitable for making lemonade. The lemon monarda (Monarda citriodora) also gives drinks a very individual, slightly lemony note.

Non hybrid

Not frost resistant

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.