Moldavian Balm

This is a huge personal favorite of grower Daniel MacPhee. He says everyone should grow this plant! It is uncommonly seen but easy to grow, with beautiful showy blue flowers, deep green slightly hairy foliage, and interesting upright/spreading architecture. It is a favorite of pollinators, particularly large species of bumble bee and hummingbirds. With a highly aromatic lemon balm-like scent, its flavor holds very well dried for teas (unlike lemon balm). Its medicine is to both treat colds and lift the spirit! Also known as Dragon's Head as the flowers are shaped like large-toothed dragons.

Days to maturity: 100

Seeds per pack: 75

Germination rate: 93% on 09/18/2023

Planting / harvesting notes

Sow seeds on the surface of moist potting soil and barely cover. Keep moist until germination, usually in 7-14 days. Start indoors, and later transplant in full sun 9-12" apart.

Seed keeping notes

Allow seedheads to dry on the plant. Cut the stalks below the lowest seed clusters. If necessary, dry the seedheads further in the sun on a sheet or table away from moisture and precipitation. When fully dry, whack the seedheads in a bucket, allowing the ripest seed to fall. Sift through strainers to remove the largest chaff, and then winnow off the lighter chaff with your breath, a fan, or the wind.