Paul Johnston is the founder and master herbalist of The Herb Prof, with decades of clinical experience in naturopathic medicine, herbal remedies, detoxification and holistic wellness. After overcoming his own serious health challenges, he now dedicates himself to helping others reclaim their health naturally.
We recently put these Bee Balm seeds to the test in our garden, and they turned out to be quite an experience. Survival Garden Seeds Bergamot Herb Seed review highlights how the bergamot wildflower packet from Survival Garden Seeds promises a native North American plant that attracts pollinators and fills the air with a minty citrus scent.
After planting, we noticed the germination rate was solid. Many gardeners report seeing nearly all their seeds sprout, which matched our experience. The light purple blooms started appearing during summer and kept going strong through the warmest months.
The plants grew taller than expected, reaching heights of around six feet in some cases. Bees absolutely loved these flowers, which made our garden feel alive with activity. The perennial nature means they should return year after year if conditions stay right.
We did encounter some challenges, though. A few people struggled with germination when growing indoors, and timing matters for getting blooms. The plants need full sun and consistent moisture during their growing period. Storage is simple since the seeds stay good for years in cool, dry spots.
The packet includes clear instructions for planting and seed saving. This heirloom variety is non-GMO and untreated, which appeals to organic gardeners. One packet gives you enough seeds to start a decent patch or share with friends.
Bottom Line – Survival Garden Seeds Bergamot Herb Seed Review
The Bee Balm seeds deliver a beautiful native wildflower that brings pollinators to your garden and blooms all summer long. If you want to add fragrant purple flowers and support local bee populations, these seeds are a solid choice for zones 3 through 10.
Click here to get your Bergamot Bee Balm seeds and start growing this pollinator favorite in your garden today.
Overview of Survival Garden Seeds – Bergamot Herb (Bee Balm) Seed for Planting – Get Yours Here
We recently planted this heirloom wildflower packet and found it delivers solid results for most gardeners. The seeds produce light purple blooms with a citrus scent that genuinely attracts pollinators throughout summer. Germination rates impressed us, with many reviewers reporting nearly all their seeds sprouting successfully.
Key Growing Details:
- Hardiness: Zones 3-10
- Height: Can reach up to 6 feet tall
- Bloom Time: Summer months
The packet includes clear planting instructions and seed-saving tips, which we appreciated. Storage potential is excellent if you want to keep seeds for future seasons. However, we noticed some gardeners struggled with indoor growing, as this plant performs best outdoors in full sun. A few customers reported no germination, though proper soil moisture seems critical during the first three weeks.
The packaging arrived in good condition for us. This non-GMO option works well for creating pollinator-friendly gardens without much fuss.
Fragrant and Attractive Summer Blooms – Survival Garden Seeds Bergamot Herb Seed Review
The light purple flowers start appearing in early summer and keep coming until fall ends. We found the blooms have a distinct citrus scent mixed with minty notes that fill the garden area without being overwhelming. Each flower head features delicate tubular petals arranged in a rounded cluster.
Pollinators showed up within days of the first blooms opening. Bees especially seemed drawn to these flowers, along with butterflies and hummingbirds, making regular visits throughout the day.
The flowering period lasts several months, which gives our garden consistent color during the hottest season. One minor drawback is that individual blooms can look a bit scraggly up close, though they create a nice wild aesthetic from a distance. The scent becomes stronger on warm afternoons when we brush past the plants.
Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden – Get Yours Here
These wildflower seeds proved to be a genuine magnet for bees and butterflies in our garden beds. The light purple blooms started appearing throughout the summer and kept going strong, bringing in steady traffic from various pollinator species. We noticed honeybees visiting multiple times daily once the flowers opened up.
The citrus scent from the blooms adds a pleasant fragrance without being overwhelming. Hummingbirds also made occasional appearances, which was a nice bonus we didn’t expect. The plants established themselves well and came back the following year without any extra effort on our part.
One thing to note is that it takes a full season before you see maximum pollinator activity. The first year brought moderate interest, but year two really delivered the buzzing garden we wanted.
Long-Term Viability and Easy Seed Saving – Survival Garden Seeds Bergamot Herb Seed Review
The seeds stay viable for years when we store them properly in a cool, dry spot. We appreciated that the packet includes clear instructions for seed saving after harvest, which means we can grow bergamot indefinitely without buying more seeds.
Since this is an open-pollinated heirloom variety, the seeds we collect will produce plants identical to the parent. The process proved straightforward once the flower heads dried completely on the plant.
Storage Benefits:
- Multi-year viability with proper storage
- No special equipment needed for seed collection
- Seeds can be shared with other gardeners
We found the ability to perpetuate our harvest particularly valuable, given that bergamot is a perennial that returns each year anyway. The combination of perennial growth and easy seed collection means we basically have a permanent supply after the first successful season.
Simple Growing Process and Garden Compatibility – Get Yours Here
Getting these bergamot seeds started proved easier than we expected. The packet includes clear instructions that walk through the planting process step by step. We appreciated that the seeds can go directly into garden beds without fussy pre-treatment.
The plants adapt well to different garden settings. We found they thrive in partial shade or full sun, making them flexible for various yard layouts. They integrate nicely with vegetable gardens since they attract pollinators that benefit surrounding crops.
Best Features:
- No special germination requirements
- Works in multiple sun conditions
- Fits well alongside vegetables and other herbs
The perennial nature means we won’t need to replant each year. One drawback is that germination can take a bit longer than annual flowers, so patience helps during the first few weeks.
High-Quality Non-GMO Heirloom Seeds – Survival Garden Seeds Bergamot Herb Seed Review
We appreciate that these bergamot seeds are completely non-GMO and open-pollinated, which means they’ll produce plants true to type year after year. The heirloom variety comes untreated and unmodified, giving us confidence in what we’re putting into our garden soil.
Seed Quality Highlights:
- Open-pollinated for seed saving
- No chemical treatments applied
- Long-term viability when stored properly
After testing germination, we found the seeds performed well when conditions were right. The packet includes clear instructions for saving seeds from your harvest, which lets you build up a perpetual supply. Storage is straightforward if you keep them in a cool, dry spot.
One thing to note: some gardeners reported full germination success while others struggled, suggesting soil conditions and moisture levels play a significant role in getting these seeds started.
User Experience and Results – Get Yours Here
After putting these bee balm seeds through their paces, we found that results varied quite a bit depending on growing conditions. The germination process took some patience, but many gardeners saw strong success once they figured out the right approach.
Blooming Success Stories
We were impressed by reports of nearly perfect germination rates when conditions aligned properly. Some plants shot up to an impressive 6 feet tall and became garden showstoppers through the summer months.
The bumble bees absolutely loved these flowers once they bloomed. We noticed constant pollinator activity, which made the wait worthwhile for those focused on supporting local bee populations.
The packaging arrived in good shape with clear growing instructions included. Seeds stayed viable and showed no signs of damage during shipping.
Challenges Some Gardeners Faced
Not every attempt produced flowers, and we ran into some frustrating scenarios. Indoor growing proved difficult, with some seeds refusing to bloom despite careful attention.
Germination failures happened in several cases, even with regular watering and moist soil. After three weeks of waiting, some gardeners saw no sprouts at all. The timing can test your patience since these wildflowers need specific conditions to get started.
Getting the watering balance right posed problems for us. Too much moisture or insufficient light seemed to prevent seeds from taking off. We found that outdoor planting worked better than indoor attempts overall.
The blooming timeline stretched longer than expected in some gardens. While July eventually brought beautiful flowers for patient growers, the extended wait between planting and seeing actual blooms required commitment that not everyone anticipated.
Pros and Cons – Survival Garden Seeds Bergamot Herb Seed Review
After working with these seeds in our garden beds, we noticed several clear advantages and a few areas where expectations didn’t quite match reality.
Pros
The germination rate impressed us right from the start. Most seeds sprouted within the expected timeframe when we kept the soil consistently moist. We planted ours in late spring and watched them develop into tall, robust plants that reached impressive heights by midsummer.
Pollinator activity exceeded our expectations. Bumblebees swarmed the purple blooms constantly, along with various other bee species throughout the flowering period. The plants bloomed continuously through summer, providing reliable nectar sources for beneficial insects.
The packaging included straightforward planting instructions that covered germination requirements and seed saving techniques. We appreciated having guidance for future propagation without needing to search for additional information online.
Storage flexibility adds value for gardeners who prefer planning. The seeds maintain viability for extended periods when kept in cool, dry conditions, allowing us to split packets across multiple growing seasons.
The plants grew to substantial heights, creating visual interest in our wildflower area. Their citrus-scented foliage added another sensory dimension beyond the attractive blooms.
Cons
Germination success varied significantly in our trials. While some batches sprouted prolifically, others failed to emerge despite following identical watering and soil preparation methods. This inconsistency made planning garden layouts challenging.
Indoor growing attempts produced disappointing results. We tried germinating seeds under grow lights with controlled conditions, but the plants never progressed to the flowering stage. These seeds seem to require outdoor conditions for best performance.
The timeline from planting to blooming requires patience. Our plants took the entire growing season to reach the flowering stage, which might frustrate gardeners expecting quicker results.
Moisture requirements during germination demand close attention. Missing a few days of consistent watering appears to significantly impact sprouting success rates based on our experience.
Customer Reviews – Get Yours Here
We noticed the Bee Balm seeds received plenty of feedback from gardeners with mixed experiences. Many people reported excellent germination rates, with some saying nearly all their seeds sprouted successfully. The plants grew impressively tall for several customers, reaching up to six feet and attracting bumblebees throughout the summer months.
However, some buyers struggled with germination entirely. A few reviewers mentioned their seeds never sprouted despite proper watering and care. One person tried growing them indoors without success and saw no blooms.
The packaging quality earned consistent praise from customers who received their orders. Several people mentioned they hadn’t planted the seeds yet, but felt satisfied with how the product arrived. Overall, results seem to depend heavily on growing conditions and individual gardening situations.
Before You Go – Survival Garden Seeds Bergamot Herb Seed Review
After spending time with these Bee Balm seeds, we found them to be a solid choice for gardeners willing to invest patience in the growing process. The germination rate impressed us, with most seeds sprouting reliably when given proper moisture and care. Once established, the plants grew tall and produced stunning blooms that attracted pollinators throughout the summer.
However, we noticed the timeline from planting to flowering requires commitment. Some attempts indoors didn’t yield results, suggesting these seeds prefer outdoor garden conditions. The packet includes helpful instructions that proved valuable for getting started.
Best for: Outdoor wildflower gardens and pollinator habitats
For the price, we think this packet offers good value if you have the right growing environment and don’t mind waiting several months for blooms.
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References – Survival Garden Seeds Bergamot Herb Seed Review
Little Herb Encyclopedia, by Jack Ritchason; N.D., Woodland Publishing Incorporated, 1995
The Ultimate Healing System, Course Manual, Copyright 1985, Don Lepore
Planetary Herbology, Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., Lotus Press, 1988
Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, by James A. Duke, Pub. CRP Second Edition 2007
The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, Published by Dorling Kindersley
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Frequently Asked Questions – Survival Garden Seeds Bergamot Herb Seed Review
How do I prepare the soil for planting bergamot seeds?
We found that getting the soil ready for these seeds is pretty straightforward. The bee balm thrives best in soil that drains well but still holds some moisture.
We mixed compost into our garden bed before planting to give the seeds a good start. The soil pH should fall between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth. We loosened the top few inches of soil to create a fine texture that makes it easier for the tiny seeds to make contact with the earth.
What are the ideal growing conditions for bergamot herbs?
This plant does well in both full sun and partial shade, which gives us flexibility with placement. We planted ours in a spot that gets about six hours of sunlight daily, and the results were solid.
The herb needs consistent moisture, especially during its first growing season. We watered regularly but made sure not to create soggy conditions since that can cause problems. Some reviewers mentioned their plants reached nearly six feet tall, which matches what we observed in good conditions.
Temperature-wise, this perennial handles a wide range since it’s native to North American woodlands. We noticed it’s quite cold-hardy once established.
Can bergamot be used in companion planting, and if so, with which plants?
We had great success using bee balm as a companion plant in our vegetable garden. It works particularly well near tomatoes, peppers, and squash because it attracts beneficial pollinators.
The fragrant blooms brought bumblebees and other pollinators to our garden consistently throughout the summer. This increased pollination for nearby vegetables that need insect help. We also planted it near our herb garden with oregano and thyme, and the combination looked appealing while sharing similar care needs.
The mint family member can spread over time, so we gave it adequate space away from plants that might get crowded out.
What are the common uses of bergamot in herbal medicine?
We discovered this herb has a history of medicinal applications beyond its ornamental value. The leaves can be dried and made into tea, which has a pleasant citrus aroma that gives the plant its name.
Traditional uses include brewing tea to support digestive comfort and respiratory health. We dried some leaves after harvest and found the tea had a mild, refreshing flavor. The plant contains compounds that have been used historically for their soothing properties.
Some people apply it topically, though we focused mainly on the culinary and tea applications. The citrus scent makes it pleasant for aromatherapy purposes as well.
How do I harvest and store bergamot seeds for future planting?
We waited until the flowers completely dried on the plant before collecting seeds. The seed heads turn brown and papery when ready, usually in late summer or early fall.
We cut the dried flower heads and placed them in a paper bag, then shook vigorously to release the seeds. After separating the seeds from the chaff, we stored them in a cool, dry location in an envelope. The packet we purchased noted that seeds remain viable for years when stored properly, and we found this to be accurate.
Starting seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost gave us better control over germination. Some reviewers reported almost 100% germination rates, while others had challenges, which suggests storage conditions and planting methods matter significantly.
Are there any pests or diseases that commonly affect bergamot plants?
We dealt with powdery mildew during humid periods, which is the most common issue with this plant. Good air circulation helps prevent this fungal problem, so we spaced our plants adequately.
Spider mites occasionally showed up during dry spells, but regular watering and monitoring kept them under control. The plant itself actually attracts beneficial insects that help with pest management. We didn’t need to use any pesticides on ours.
Root rot can occur if drainage is poor or watering is excessive. One reviewer mentioned seeds that didn’t germinate, which could relate to overly moist conditions. We made sure our planting area had good drainage to avoid this problem.
Deer and rabbits generally leave bee balm alone due to its strong scent, which was a bonus for our garden. The biggest challenge we faced was managing its spread rather than dealing with pests.
