BREW UP TROUBLE WITH BERGAMOT!

Here's the tea on this aromatic herb! Bergamot, also known as bee balm or lemon mint with the scientific name monarda citriodora, is most famous for being the secret behind Earl Grey tea's unique flavour. Not only does it smell lovely, but its beautiful pink to red flowers will also add a delightful pop of colour to your garden. Bergamot is an absolute must for kitchen witches, owing to its powerful magickal properties, culinary versatility and medicinal benefits.

A QUICK GUIDE TO BERGAMOT

Magickal uses: Attraction, prosperity, abundance, and love

Plant me: Early spring at the latest, or in April if you live in a warmer climate, in a partly shady area

Water me: Moderately

Safe for: Cats and dogs!

Note - Like all plants, make sure your furry friend doesn't consume too much as to avoid an upset tummy

BERGAMOT FOLKLORE

Bergamot gained its name bee balm, as you may have guessed, from being loved by bees-though butterflies are also big fans! Bergamot's scent is described as lemony, almost similar to oregano and having a minty citrus taste. In fact its scientific name citriodora is Latin for "having a citrus-like scent". 

Bergamot was once referred to as Oswego tea by Native Americans, who used their native plant as a herbal remedy before and throughout the colonial invasion that spread it worldwide.

Bergamot is a natural flea and mite repellent, so your furbabies will appreciate this wonderful herb as much as the bees do!

MAGICKAL PROPERTIES & USES IN WITCHCRAFT

• Gender: Feminine
• Planet: Venus
• Element: Air

Due to its alluring scent, bergamot possesses attractive properties and promotes prosperity. Keep a small amount of dried flowers or leaves on your person or in your purse for luck and money drawing. Grinding it into a powder and sprinkling it around your house will also invite abundance and prosperity into your home.

As a feminine herb ruled by Venus, bergamot is also useful for love magick. Infuse it into love potions and teas or as a part of binding spells.

Bergamot's unique flavour makes a wonderful additive to all manner of recipes, suiting everything from cakes and pies to meats and sauces. Add it to your kitchen apothecary for wholesome family meals and invoking luck over dinner.

TIPS FOR GROWING BERGAMOT

Bergamot should be planted in early spring at the latest but can be planted in April if you live in a warmer climate. Sow the seeds around 30cm apart and cover them lightly with soil in a partly shady area. Water moderately, and you will start to see sprouts two weeks after planting. Bergamot is a tough little cookie in warmer areas and doesn't mind a little bit of clay in the soil but it will die in the frost. 

Bergamot is non-toxic for both cats and dogs but, like all plants, ensure your furry friend doesn't eat too much of anything they shouldn't just in case they get an upset tummy.

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Photography by Karl-Heinz Müller and Melissa Burovac