Scarlet Beebalm

What you'll need:

Scarlet Beebalm seeds or young plants (available at garden centers or online)

A pot or a sunny patch in your garden

Regular garden soil, preferably with some organic matter mixed in (compost works well!)

Watering can or hose

Mulch (optional but helpful)

When to start:

Scarlet Beebalm loves warmth and thrives best when planted after the last frost in spring. If you're starting from seeds indoors, you can begin about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date.

Finding a good spot:

This plant is a sun-lover but also tolerates partial shade. Ideally, it should get around 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. If you’re planting in pots, make sure they’re placed where they can soak up enough light—like on a sunny balcony or near a bright window.

Soil prep tip:

Scarlet Beebalm prefers moist, well-draining soil. If your soil feels too heavy or clay-like, mix in some compost or sand to loosen it up. This will help prevent water from pooling around the roots.

If you're using seeds:

1. Fill small pots or seed trays with moist soil.
2. Sprinkle a few seeds on top of the soil in each pot and lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil (just enough to barely hide the seeds).
3. Gently water the soil so it’s damp but not soggy.
4. Place the pots in a warm spot that gets plenty of indirect light.
5. Seeds usually sprout within 1-2 weeks.
6. Once the seedlings grow a couple of inches tall and have a few sets of leaves, they’re ready to be moved into larger pots or directly into the garden.

If you're using young plants:

1. Dig a hole in your garden or pot that’s slightly bigger than the root ball of the plant.
2. Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole.
3. Cover the roots with soil, pressing down lightly to secure the plant.
4. Water generously right after planting to help the roots settle in.

Spacing tip:

If planting in the ground, leave about 18-24 inches between each plant. They’ll spread out as they grow, so giving them space prevents overcrowding.

Watering:

Scarlet Beebalm likes consistently moist soil, especially during hot summer months. Check the soil every few days—if the top inch feels dry, it's time to water. Aim to water deeply rather than just sprinkling the surface; this encourages deeper root growth.

Feeding:

Feed your plant every 4-6 weeks with a general-purpose fertilizer or compost. Simply sprinkle a bit around the base of the plant and water it in. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to more leafy growth and fewer flowers.

Sunlight needs:

While Scarlet Beebalm enjoys full sun, it can handle some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. If you notice the leaves looking a bit droopy in intense heat, consider providing some shade during peak afternoon hours.

Pruning and deadheading:

To encourage more blooms throughout the season, snip off spent flowers (this is called deadheading). You can also trim back any leggy or overgrown stems to keep the plant looking tidy.

Pest and disease watch:

Scarlet Beebalm is pretty hardy, but it can sometimes attract powdery mildew if the air circulation is poor. To prevent this, water at the base of the plant instead of overhead, and make sure there’s enough space between plants for air to flow freely.

When to harvest:

You don’t “harvest” Scarlet Beebalm like you would vegetables, but you can definitely enjoy its beautiful flowers and aromatic leaves! The blooms typically appear in mid to late summer and last several weeks.

How to use the plant:

• Flowers: When the scarlet flowers are fully open, you can cut a few stems to bring indoors for bouquets. They also attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden!
• Leaves: The fragrant leaves can be picked anytime during the growing season. They’re often used to make herbal tea or as a garnish in salads.

Cutting flowers:

Use clean scissors or pruning shears to cut the flower stems just above a set of leaves. This helps the plant continue producing more blooms.

End-of-season care:

Once the blooming period is over, you can let the flowers go to seed if you want the plant to self-sow for next year. Alternatively, cut back the stems to tidy up the plant before winter.

Q: Can I grow Scarlet Beebalm in a pot?

A: Absolutely! Just make sure the pot is large enough (at least 12 inches wide) and has drainage holes. Keep the soil moist, and your plant will thrive.

Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves could mean overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the soil isn’t staying soggy for too long. Adjust your watering schedule if needed.

Q: How do I stop powdery mildew from forming?

A: Good air circulation is key! Avoid overhead watering, and prune any overcrowded stems. If mildew does appear, you can treat it with a natural fungicide or even a diluted mixture of baking soda and water.

Q: Does Scarlet Beebalm come back every year?

A: Yes, it’s a perennial plant, meaning it will return year after year if given the right conditions. In colder climates, mulching around the base in fall can help protect the roots over winter.

Q: Will Scarlet Beebalm spread in my garden?

A: It can spread a bit through self-seeding or rhizomes, so if you want to control its growth, you can divide the plant every few years in early spring or fall.