Bee Balm Jacob Cline
Monarda didyma 'Jacob Cline'
This award-winning bee balm produces stunning scarlet-red tubular flowers in dense, shaggy heads that are absolutely magnetic to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Jacob Cline offers superior mildew resistance compared to older varieties while maintaining the intense fragrance and pollinator appeal that makes bee balm a garden favorite. The aromatic foliage can be used for herbal teas, and the dramatic flower heads create excellent cut flower arrangements.
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
4–9
USDA hardiness
Height
2-4 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Bee Balm Jacob Cline in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 flower →Zone Map
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Bee Balm Jacob Cline · Zones 4–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – July | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – April | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | February – April | — |
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Wet. Water: Vegetable, Herb and Mostly Native Pollinator Garden Davidson County Extension Demonstration Garden Bird-Friendly Spaces Vegetable Garden with Pollinator Plants in Mt. Pleasant Pollinator Garden in Full Sun Pollinator Garden in Partial Shade Herb & Flower Cottage Garden Beehive Garden, Wake Co West Side Foundation Planting in Cabarrus County Border Landscape Pinewild County Club, Moore County. Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Division, Leaf Cutting, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Ovoid nutlets display from September to October.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Capsule.
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Fall, Summer
Edibility: Used in teas, flavor jellies, soups, stews, and fruit salads; edible flowers.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh Jacob Cline stems last 5-7 days in cool water with daily stem trimming. Store harvested leaves in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels inside a plastic bag for up to one week.
For long-term storage, air-dry leaves and flowers by hanging small bundles in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Properly dried bee balm retains its aromatic oils for 12-18 months when stored in airtight containers.
Freeze fresh leaves in ice cube trays with water for easy addition to teas and beverages. The flowers can be dried for potpourri or frozen in ice cubes as colorful drink garnishes. For the strongest herbal tea, dry the leaves just as the plant begins flowering when essential oil concentration peaks. Crumble dried leaves and store in sealed glass jars away from light and heat to maintain potency.
History & Origin
Origin: Eastern North America
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Vegetable, Herb and Mostly Native Pollinator Garden Davidson County Extension Demonstration Garden Bird-Friendly Spaces Vegetable Garden with Pollinator Plants in Mt. Pleasant Pollinator Garden in Full Sun Pollinator Garden in Partial Shade Herb & Flower Cottage Garden Beehive Garden, Wake Co West Side Foundation Planting in Cabarrus County Border Landscape Pinewild County Club, Moore County
- +Attracts: Attracts Pollinators, Colorful, Fragrance, Wildlife Food Source
- +Wildlife value: Attracts bumblebees, swallowtail butterflies, and Ruby-throated hummingbirds. It is a larval host to the hermit sphinx, orange mint moth, and the raspberry pyrausta. Members of the genus Monarda support the following specialized bees: Dufourea monardae, Perdita (Perdita) gerhardi, and Protandrena abdominalis. Dead stems are used by stem-nesting bees.
- +Edible: Used in teas, flavor jellies, soups, stews, and fruit salads; edible flowers.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower)
Similar growing conditions, both attract beneficial pollinators and create a pollinator garden ecosystem
Black-Eyed Susan
Complementary bloom times extend pollinator season, similar sun and soil requirements
Lavender
Repels pests like aphids and spider mites while attracting beneficial insects
Tomatoes
Bee balm's strong scent helps repel tomato hornworms and other pests
Oregano
Both are in mint family, share similar growing needs and attract beneficial predatory insects
Marigolds
Natural pest deterrent that repels aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes
Yarrow
Attracts predatory insects that control harmful pests, improves soil health
Salvia
Similar pollinator attraction, drought tolerance, and complementary flower shapes
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can kill bee balm
Mint
Both are aggressive spreaders that compete for space and resources
Fennel
Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of most garden plants including bee balm
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent powdery mildew resistance, good overall disease tolerance
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, stalk borers
Diseases
Powdery mildew (resistant), rust, leaf spot in humid conditions