Bergamot

When should I plant
Sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost for transplanting in spring, or sow them directly outside in early spring (after frost) or late summer/fall for germination the next year, pressing them lightly onto the soil surface as they need light to germinate. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 60-70°F.

Site consideration
Choose a site with full to partial sun, fertile soil (pH 6.0-7.0), well-drained soil (loamy/sandy is ideal, but it is adaptable), good air circulation, and plant seeds shallowly (surface to 1/4 inch deep) in early spring or fall, ensuring moisture for germination and thinning seedlings to 18-24 inches apart to prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew.

Water
Water deeply and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Aim for consistent moisture, especially when establishing, but once mature, it's drought-tolerant, preferring well-drained soil and avoiding overhead watering to prevent powdery mildew. Water in the morning at the soil level, soaking deeply, and use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Sunlight
Bergamot thriving best in full sun (6+ hours daily) for robust growth and flowering. However, it's adaptable and can tolerate partial shade, especially in scorching climates, to prevent leaf scorch. It needs well-draining soil and good airflow to avoid mildew.

Seed Germination
Sow them shallowly (light needed for germination) in moist, well-draining soil in spring or fall, keeping temperatures around 60-70°F for 1-3 weeks, or use cold stratification (refrigerating moist seeds for a month) for better spring results; they prefer full sun to part shade and good air circulation to prevent mildew.

Transplant
Transplant Bergamot in early spring or fall when the weather is cooler. Gently dig up the whole root ball and replant it in well-drained soil with full sun, ensuring that you water deeply after transplanting and provide temporary shade for a week or two to help it establish before pruning to encourage bushier growth and prevent disease.

Other Elements
Fertilization
Use a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring as new growth starts, or apply a balanced liquid feed; it generally thrives in rich, moist soil and doesn't need heavy feeding, but compost/manure in fall helps, and remember that proper sunlight (full sun) and good air circulation are key for healthy growth and preventing mildew.

Weed control
Use mulch (cardboard/newspaper), hand-pull or hoe small weeds weekly, and mow to suppress growth, and divide large clumps every few years to manage its spreading rhizomes, keeping the area tidy and preventing unwanted plants from taking over. For aggressive spreaders, consider burying barriers to contain them.

Harvest
Snip the top 6 inches of tender stems and leaves before flowering for best flavor, similar to pruning basil, leaving enough behind for regrowth; harvest flowers during peak bloom for teas and seasoning; and ensure quick cooling and proper drying (upside down or in a dehydrator) for use in teas or as a garnish.

Seed Storage
The seeds will maintain a high germination percentage if stored under proper conditions. How long your seeds remain viable will depend on the temperature and moisture levels the seeds are exposed to. Seeds which are improperly stored will quickly deteriorate if unprotected against high humidity and dramatic temperature fluctuations day after day.

For best results, keep the seed in our moisture-proof ziplock sealing bags, which provide a better moisture prevention effect. Glass jar or plastic containers with snap-on lids works well too, add a packet of desiccant before sealing into the seed, such as silica gel to remove any moisture remains in the storage container. Seed stored under these conditions will remain viable for as long as years.

Factors Which commonly Cause Poor Results
  1. Improper drainage soil
  2. Sowing depth more than one inch
  3. Covering the seed too deep beneath the soil surface
  4. Cover a large area with a small amount of seed.
  5. Plant at a wrong time of a year
  6. Lack of sunlight
  7. Inadequate rainfall after seed germination. The area should not be allowed to become completely dry. Supplemental watering may be required to sustain plant life.
  8. Extreme weather conditions: hail, drought, excessive rainfall, floods, unseasonably cold temperatures.

 

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