With elegance and a captivating scent, golden balm and wild Indian nettle transform the summer garden into a sea of flowers. So that the secret queen of herbs, spices, tea and aromatic plants holds court in your perennial bed, no horticultural pull-ups are necessary. The following answers clarify any remaining questions about cultivation.
How do you care for the Indian nettle in the garden?
The Indian nettle, also known as golden balm, is a decorative and aromatic perennial with fragrant, attractive flowers in various colors. It prefers a sunny to full sun location, humus-rich, nutrient-rich and slightly moist soil and should be planted in groups with a planting distance of 35-45 cm.
Planting Indian nettle correctly
Since the sociable golden balm likes to surround itself with other people of its kind, it is best to plant the perennial in small groups of 3-5 specimens. To do this, create small pits at a distance of 35-45 cm that provide enough space for a root ball. Meanwhile, the potted root ball is in water until no more air bubbles appear. The further process of professional planting is as follows:
- Enrich the excavated soil with horn shavings (€52.00 on Amazon), compost and leaf mold
- Line the planting hole with nettle leaves in order to place the potted Indian nettle on it
- Fill with the substrate to such an extent that the previous planting depth is maintained
Finally, water and spread a layer of mulch with organic materials.read more
Care tips
Since the golden balm has a natural stability, there is no need for a support in a protected location. The aromatic perennial is just as uncomplicated when it comes to its care program. All essential aspects at a glance:
- An organic booster fertilization with compost and horn shavings in March/April
- Water regularly when dry, directly onto the root disc
- Clean out faded and wilted areas as soon as possible for vital re-blooming
- Complete pruning in autumn or late winter
In the first few years and in harsh winter locations, golden balm receives light winter protection from leaves, brushwood or compost.read more
Which location is suitable?
In order to showcase its diverse talents as a cut, ornamental and scented flower, the golden balm grabs every ray of sunshine it can get its hands on. Treat the multi-faceted perennial to a sunny to full sun, sheltered location in fresh, moist soil that is nutritious and humus. In order to signal its willingness to compromise, the Indian nettle also tolerates a place in light shade if it is well cared for.read more
The correct planting distance
The cleverly chosen planting distance not only makes an important contribution to the visual appearance. At the same time, you can effectively prevent lethal fungal infections such as mildew by maintaining adequate distance. Therefore, plant gold balm at a distance of 35-45 cm from each other so that the foliage can dry quickly after a summer downpour.
What soil does the plant need?
The rhizome of a golden balm produces the fragrant leaves and pretty feather flowers in the desired splendor if the soil is like this:
- Deeply loose, humic and nutrient-rich for golden balm
- Slightly moist, without risk of waterlogging
- I would like a neutral pH value around 7
- Sandy, lean and a little drier for the wild Indian nettle
Since hybrids are mainly sold in stores as a cross between golden balm (Monarda didyma) and Indian nettle (Monarda fistulosa), in principle any good garden soil is recommended as a suitable home for the rhizome. As long as there is no waterlogging or desert-like dryness, the perennial will show its best side.
When is flowering time?
The central flowering period of golden balm and Indian nettle extends over the months of July and August. Of course, knowledgeable breeders are constantly producing new varieties that start with the flower festival in June and last until September. As a gardener, you also have the opportunity to extend the flowering period with a simple care measure. If the withered flowers are cleaned out regularly, floral successors are immediately on hand.
Cut Indian nettle correctly
In the cultivation of golden balm, Indian nettle and their hybrids, secateurs are considered the most important tool in cultivation. To use the aromatic leaves for cooking, as tea or syrup, cut them early in the morning during flowering. On this occasion, withered flowers are cleaned up immediately for a neat appearance and a long flowering period. In autumn or early spring, cut the perennial plant close to the ground to make room for the next shoots.read more
Watering Indian nettle
Dry earth is by no means to the taste of golden balm. Therefore, water the perennial regularly if the natural rainfall is not sufficient. The same applies to the hybrids of golden balm and Indian nettle. Only the wild species of Monarda fistulosa can cope with short-term drought. It is important to note that the ornamental perennials are always watered directly onto the root disk. Overhead irrigation brings the ubiquitous fungal infection mildew onto the scene.
Fertilize Indian nettle properly
The golden balm gladly accepts an organic starter fertilization with compost and horn shavings in spring. Bark humus or guano also ensure the nutrient supply for the new season. In addition, a mulch layer of leaves, grass clippings or bark mulch helps maintain vital soil life.
Diseases
The sword of Damocles, mildew, is constantly hovering over a golden balm and Indian nettle. The omnipresent fungal infection often targets the labiate plants with their magnificent leaves. In summer drought, fluctuating temperatures and overhead irrigation, the cunning fungal spores strike mercilessly. Within a short time, a greyish-white, washable patina spreads over the plant. You can combat the disease with a home remedy that is as simple as it is natural and effective. Mix 125 ml of fresh milk in 1 liter of water and apply the mixture every 2-3 days.
Wintering
Native to North and Central America, bitter frost could damage a young golden balm and Indian nettle. We therefore recommend light winter protection for the first 2 to 3 years in the bed. After cutting the stems back to just above the ground in the fall, spread a thick layer of leaves or compost over the root disk.
Propagate Indian nettle
Gardening practice has proven that division is the best way to propagate golden balm. This method is not only easy to implement, but also serves to rejuvenate the perennial. Here's how to do it:
- In spring, dig up the rhizome over a large area and clean it of soil
- Place on a stable surface to cut the rhizome
- Plant the individual segments promptly at the new location in loose, humus-rich soil
As long as a section has at least 2 buds or shoots, it has the potential to become an adult golden balm. A consistent water supply in the first few days and weeks creates the best conditions for this.read more
How can golden balm be used?
Behind their magnificent appearance lie a variety of talents that a knowledgeable hobby gardener knows how to take advantage of. We have put together interesting uses for an Indian nettle for you here:
- Ornamental plant in the perennial bed and scented garden
- Charming cut flowers for the vase
- Leaves and flowers as medicinal herbs for various ailments
- As a substitute for thyme in the kitchen
- Prepared into syrup for refreshing drinks
- Brewed into aromatic tea for every occasion
- Dried for a bouquet or as a fragrant potpourri
Shortly before the flowering period begins, the valuable ingredients of golden balm are at their peak. The further the flowering progresses, the more the taste takes on a slightly bitter note.read more
Beautiful varieties
- Cardinal: Enchantingly beautiful variety whose purple-red flowers catch the eye from July to August; Growth height 80-100 cm
- Gardenview Red: Majestic golden balm, whose deep red flowers set decorative focal points; Growth height 120-140 cm
- Snowcloud: You can't go wrong in the perennial bed with this magnificent variety in pure white; Growth height 80-100 cm
- Marshall’s Delight: The feathery, delicate pink flowers complement red and white varieties wonderfully; Growth height 80-100 cm
- Cherokee: The mighty Indian nettle acts as an eye-catcher in the scented garden with whorls of pink flowers; Growth height 120-130 cm
