{"product_id":"bergamot","title":"Bergamot","description":"\u003cp\u003eBergamot, commonly known as Bee Balm, encompasses several species within the \u003cem data-start=\"585\" data-end=\"594\"\u003eMonarda\u003c\/em\u003e genus, notably \u003cem data-start=\"610\" data-end=\"629\"\u003eMonarda fistulosa\u003c\/em\u003e (Wild Bergamot). This herbaceous perennial is cherished for its vibrant, tubular flowers and aromatic foliage. \u003cem data-start=\"786\" data-end=\"805\"\u003eMonarda fistulosa\u003c\/em\u003e typically showcases lavender to pink blooms. It is a species that is a magnet for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making them invaluable additions to pollinator gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1070\" data-end=\"1397\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1070\" data-end=\"1102\"\u003eWhere Can You Grow Bergamot?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1102\" data-end=\"1105\"\u003eBergamot thrives in Zones 3–9, preferring full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. It's adaptable to various soil types and is drought-tolerant once established. Ideal for borders, wildflower meadows, and herb gardens, Bergamot adds both beauty and ecological value to any landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1399\" data-end=\"1812\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1399\" data-end=\"1430\"\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1430\" data-end=\"1433\"\u003eIndigenous peoples across North America have long utilized Bergamot for its medicinal properties. The leaves and flowers were traditionally brewed into teas to alleviate colds, fevers, and digestive issues. The plant's antiseptic qualities made it useful for treating wounds and infections. Additionally, its aromatic leaves were used in cooking and as natural insect repellents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1814\" data-end=\"2139\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1814\" data-end=\"1843\"\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1843\" data-end=\"1846\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1846\" data-end=\"1860\"\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow seeds in spring after the last frost or start indoors 6–8 weeks prior.\u003cbr data-start=\"1942\" data-end=\"1945\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1945\" data-end=\"1959\"\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start seeds indoors in early spring and transplant after the danger of frost has passed.\u003cbr data-start=\"2048\" data-end=\"2051\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2051\" data-end=\"2065\"\u003eZones 3-4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Begin indoors and transplant seedlings outdoors once the soil has warmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1814\" data-end=\"2139\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2141\" data-end=\"2624\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2141\" data-end=\"2177\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Bergamot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2177\" data-end=\"2180\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2180\" data-end=\"2193\"\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds on the soil surface and lightly press them in; do not cover, as light aids germination.\u003cbr data-start=\"2291\" data-end=\"2294\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2294\" data-end=\"2307\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings are established; mature plants are drought-tolerant.\u003cbr data-start=\"2409\" data-end=\"2412\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2412\" data-end=\"2427\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harvest leaves just before flowering for the best flavor; flowers can be harvested during bloom.\u003cbr data-start=\"2524\" data-end=\"2527\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2527\" data-end=\"2543\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and prevent self-seeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2626\" data-end=\"3047\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2626\" data-end=\"2664\"\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2664\" data-end=\"2667\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2667\" data-end=\"2685\"\u003eCollect Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow flower heads to dry on the plant; once brown and brittle, collect them.\u003cbr data-start=\"2763\" data-end=\"2766\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2766\" data-end=\"2782\"\u003eClean Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gently crush the dried heads and separate the seeds from the chaff.\u003cbr data-start=\"2850\" data-end=\"2853\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2853\" data-end=\"2871\"\u003eDry and Store:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensure seeds are thoroughly dry before storing in a cool, dry place in airtight containers.\u003cbr data-start=\"2963\" data-end=\"2966\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2966\" data-end=\"2980\"\u003eViability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seeds remain viable for 2–3 years under proper storage conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3049\" data-end=\"3128\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3049\" data-end=\"3073\"\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3073\" data-end=\"3076\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"3076\" data-end=\"3128\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52198415565097,"sku":"MF-HERB-032","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0747\/6225\/6681\/files\/Bergamot.webp?v=1764456988","url":"https:\/\/konnichiwa.ca\/products\/bergamot","provider":"こんにちはマート | KON NICHIWA MART","version":"1.0","type":"link"}