Spotted Bee Balm Seeds (Monarda punctata) – Native Dotted Horsemint for Pollinators, Drought-Tolerant Wildflower

Heirloom - Non-GMO - Reliable Germination

$3.99 USD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size: 1 Packet

What Makes Survival Garden Seeds Different - non-GMO heirloom seeds

Support pollinators and add striking native beauty to your garden with Spotted Bee Balm Seeds from Survival Garden Seeds. Also known as Monarda punctata, Dotted Horsemint, or Spotted Beebalm, this upright North American native wildflower is a biennial to short-lived perennial valued for its resilience, unique blooms, and exceptional ecological benefits. Well suited to sandy, rocky, and well-drained soils, Spotted Bee Balm thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates heat and dry conditions better than many other bee balm varieties.

Distinctive Blooms with High Wildlife Value:

  • Tubular yellow flowers marked with purple spots
  • Showy pink, purple, or white bracts that add long-lasting visual interest
  • Blooms from late summer into fall (July through October)
  • Architectural form ideal for native beds, meadows, and pollinator gardens

Why Customers Love Spotted Bee Balm:

  • Extremely attractive to native bees, honey bees, bumblebees, moths, and other beneficial insects
  • Favorite nectar source for Ruby-throated hummingbirds and Karner Blue butterflies
  • Serves as a host plant for caterpillars such as Gray Marvel, Hermit Sphinx, Snout Moths, and Orange Mint moths
  • More drought and heat tolerant than many wild bergamot species
  • Low maintenance and well adapted to poor or sandy soils

Versatile Herbal & Garden Plant:
Spotted Bee Balm has oregano-scented leaves rich in aromatic compounds. It has a long history of culinary and traditional herbal use, commonly brewed as herbal tea or distilled for essential oils. Its combination of usefulness and ornamental appeal makes it a favorite for homesteaders, herbalists, and native plant gardeners.

How to Grow Spotted Bee Balm (Monarda punctata):
Sow seeds directly outdoors after the risk of frost has passed, or start indoors for transplanting. Lightly press seeds into the soil without covering, as light aids germination. Plant in full sun to partial shade with sandy or well-draining soil. Water during establishment; once mature, plants require little supplemental water. Spotted Bee Balm readily self-seeds under favorable conditions, helping it naturalize over time.

Heirloom Flower Seeds

All of our seeds are open-pollinated, non-GMO, heirloom varieties with tested germination rates

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Monarda Punctata
  • Seasonality
    Perennial
  • Planting Zones
    3-10
  • Light
    Full Sun
  • Soil Temp for Germination
    65-75 Degrees F.
  • Germination Time
    10-30 Days
  • Planting Depth
    1/16 Inch
  • Plant Size
    6-35 Inches Tall, 18-24 Inch Spread
  • Days to Bloom
    Blooms in second year
  • Growing Instructions
    Direct sow in autumn or start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost in spring. 3-4 weeks of cold stratification can improve germination. Light is required for germination; press seeds into soil and keep warm. Space 12" apart in well-drained soil.
  • Seed Saving Instructions
    Collect by carefully cutting dry seed heads into a paper bag. Allow to dry for about 1 week, then shake seeds loose. Separate seeds from chaff. Label and store in a cool, dry place.
  • Seed Count (approximate)
    675 to 788

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Why Choose Survival Garden Seeds

At Survival Garden Seeds, we believe in preparing today for tomorrow’s peace of mind. That’s why we offer only heirloom, non-GMO, and untreated seeds you can trust to nourish your family and support a sustainable lifestyle. As a family-owned American company, we’re committed to providing seeds that grow strong and true—helping you cultivate health, resilience, and beauty in your garden.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are heirloom seeds?

Heirloom seeds are the types of seeds your grandparents grew. These varieties have been passed down from generation to generation. They’re old reliable open-pollinated varieties that aren’t typically grown commercially. Instead, they have a rich history that predates modern breeding techniques.

You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

How do I know my seeds are fresh?

Every seed packet includes a "packed for" date, and we germination test each seed lot before packaging to ensure you receive viable, high-quality seeds that are ready to grow.

Are your seeds treated?

No, we do not pre-treat our farmer seeds. All of our garden seeds for sale are untreated, open-pollinated, non-GMO, and heirloom varieties. They are kept in temperature-controlled cooler storage until they are packed and shipped to keep them pest and disease-free.

In what zones can I grow your seeds?

The seeds in our collections are specifically chosen from varieties that can be successfully grown from Zone 3 to Zone 10 USDA Hardiness Zones. However, individual varieties have specific needs to thrive in different environments. Each seed pack has optimal temperatures for germination and instructions on seed starting. Consult local frost dates to plan your garden and get the most out of your seeds.

What is the shelf life of these gardening seeds?

Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly. Check your seed packet for specific varieties. For best results, keep your seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store them in an airtight container in a consistent temperature environment—a refrigerator or cool basement works well. Proper storage helps maintain germination rates and extends seed life well beyond the packed date.

Where are Survival Garden Seeds sourced?

The majority of our seeds are sourced in the United States, with a few exceptions when the seed is difficult to source domestically. Whenever we do have to source outside of the US, we ensure our seeds are safe to grow, non-GMO varieties that meet our standards for germination and reliability.