Bradbury’s Monarda (Monarda bradburiana)

Seed Collection Time:

Mid to late summer — typically July through August, after flowering ends.

Signs seeds are ready:

• After blooming, the flower heads dry out and turn tan to light brown.

• The seeds are tiny, dark, and oval-shaped, hidden in the dried calyxes (tubular seed cups).

• When fully mature, seeds fall out easily if you tap or shake the dried heads.

Seed collection steps:

1. Clip entire dried flower heads when they are crisp and brown.

2. Place in a paper bag or tray and let them air dry for a few more days.

3. Shake or crush the dried heads gently over a container to release seeds.

4. Screen or winnow to remove chaff and collect clean seed.

Germination tip:

• Cold stratification improves germination but is not always required.

• C(30–60): Stratify in moist medium for 30–60 days, or sow outdoors in fall.

• Seeds need light to germinate — surface sow and press into the soil without covering.