Comments on: How to Grow, Harvest, and Preserve Bee Balm (Monarda)

By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 11:38:50 +0000

In reply to Dyan. Dyan, Yes, you can definitely harvest bee balm leaves before the plant flowers. The leaves are flavorful and can be used fresh or dried for tea.

By: Dyan

Dyan — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 22:01:48 +0000

Can I harvest bee balm leaves before they even have flower? I have lots of them but not flowering yet.

By: ©Rachel Arsenault

©Rachel Arsenault — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 10:46:14 +0000

In reply to Alicia. Alicia, Yes, as long as the leaves are healthy, you can harvest the foliage. Powdery mildew is pretty common for bee balm, but the plant itself is quite resilient.

By: Alicia

Alicia — Sat, 03 Jul 2021 15:17:57 +0000

Last season some of my bee balm got powdery mildew and it died off. Now some of its come back and looks pretty healthy. Is this bee balm that’s come back safe to harvest?

In reply to Susan Ortiz. Susan, No, I wouldn't use sick or diseased leaves.