Monarda, commonly known as bee balm, is a popular perennial recognized for its distinctive, often brightly colored blooms and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Expanding your garden with more of these plants or sharing them with others is a rewarding endeavor. This article explores various effective propagation methods.
Why and When to Propagate Bee Balm
Propagating bee balm offers several benefits, including increasing plant numbers and rejuvenating older, less vigorous clumps. It is also a cost-effective way to expand your collection.
The optimal timing for propagation varies by method. Division is best performed in early spring as new growth emerges or in the fall after the plant has finished flowering. Stem cuttings root best when taken in late spring or early summer from actively growing, non-flowering stems. Seeds can be sown in late fall for natural cold stratification or indoors in late winter to early spring.
Methods for Propagating Bee Balm
Propagating by Division
Dividing established bee balm clumps is an effective method that also maintains plant vigor. Carefully dig around a mature plant’s perimeter with a garden fork or spade to lift the root ball.
After lifting, gently shake off excess soil to expose roots. Identify natural divisions within the root ball, ensuring each section has a healthy portion of roots and at least one or two strong shoots. Use a sharp, clean knife or spade to cut through the crown, separating the desired sections. Replant divisions immediately into prepared soil at their original depth, ensuring adequate spacing for future growth.
Propagating by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings replicate desirable plant characteristics. Select healthy, non-flowering stems from the current season’s growth. Cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches long, taken from soft, pliable stem tips.
Remove all leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cutting to expose nodes for root development. Optionally, dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Insert the prepared cuttings into a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of perlite and peat moss, ensuring at least one node is buried. Maintain high humidity by covering them with a plastic dome or bag, and place in bright, indirect light.
Propagating by Seed
Propagating bee balm from seed is a viable, though slower, method. Collect seeds from dried, brown flower heads in late summer or early fall. Gently crush heads to release seeds. Alternatively, seeds can be purchased from a reputable supplier.
Bee balm seeds require cold stratification to break dormancy. Achieve this by sowing outdoors in late fall for natural stratification. For indoor sowing, mix seeds with moist sand or peat and refrigerate for 30 to 60 days before sowing on the surface of a sterile seed-starting mix. Provide consistent moisture and warmth (65-70°F or 18-21°C) for germination, which occurs within 10-30 days.
Caring for Your Newly Propagated Bee Balm
After propagation, consistent care is important for establishment. Immediately after planting divisions or cuttings, water thoroughly to settle soil. Maintain consistent soil moisture, avoiding waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Place newly potted cuttings or seed-started seedlings in bright, indirect light to prevent scorching. If starting plants indoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions over several days before transplanting into the garden. Protect young plants from extreme temperatures or strong winds until they show signs of robust new growth and have established a healthy root system.