Herb: White Basil-Balm


Latin name: Monarda clinopodia


Family: Labiatae



Edible parts of White Basil-Balm:

The fresh or dried leaves and flower heads are brewed into a tea. Said to be excellent when mixed with other teas.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
125 cm
(4 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Woods and thickets.

Propagation of White Basil-Balm:

Seed - sow mid to late spring in a cold frame. Germination usually takes place within 10 - 40 days at 20°C. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. The seed can also be sown in situ in late summer in areas where the winters are not too severe and will produce larger plants. Cuttings of soft basal shoots in spring. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Cultivation of the herb:

Woods and thickets.

Medicinal use of White Basil-Balm:

None known

Known hazards of Monarda clinopodia:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.