Lyla Lindsey
Bergamot is an aromatic herb with a range of uses, from culinary to medicinal. While it is native to eastern North America, it has been introduced to Australia and can be grown in backyards across the country. Bergamot is a perennial plant, meaning it can live for several years. It grows best in cooler climates and thrives in moist soil, preferably near stream banks or other areas where the ground collects water. The plant does well in full sun but can also tolerate part shade. To grow bergamot, it is recommended to use a good quality potting mix and ensure the plant has enough space to grow, with a minimum container size of 20 litres. Bergamot seeds should be sown about 1mm deep and kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes around 7 to 14 days.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | 70-90 cm |
| Position | Sun/part shade |
| Soil preference | Moist/well-drained |
| Perennial | Yes |
| Seed treatment | None required |
| Seed depth | 1mm |
| Soil temperature | 16-21°C |
| Germination time | 7-14 days |
| Transplantation height | 5-10 cm |
| Watering | When the soil is dry about 5 cm below the surface |
| Watering time | Early morning or late afternoon |
| Fertiliser | Balanced fertiliser or one formulated for fruit and vegetables |
| Container size | Minimum 20 litres |
| Propagation | Root division in spring or taking cuttings |
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Soil preparation
Firstly, choose a permanent position for your bergamot plant, especially if you are growing a perennial variety, as these plants can live for several years. Select a location that receives full sun or part shade, ensuring at least 3 hours of sunlight daily. Avoid humid areas and those prone to frost, as bergamot is sensitive to both.
Next, prepare the soil by removing all weeds and digging it over to loosen the earth. Enrich the soil with aged animal manure or compost to ensure it is packed with organic matter. Keep the area free of weeds until you are ready to plant your bergamot seeds or seedlings.
If you are growing bergamot in a container, use a good quality potting mix and ensure your container is at least 20 litres in size to accommodate the mature plant. Bergamot can also be grown in trays, punnets, or jiffy pots with a seed-raising mix or soil starter pellets. Keep the soil moist, but be careful not to let it become too wet or completely dry.
For outdoor plantings, it is recommended to sow seeds directly into their final position in free-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Cover the seeds with 5mm of soil and keep the area moist. Thin out the plants once they develop 2-4 leaves and are easily handled.
If you are planting in a cooler climate, you can start your seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Provide a warm position with plenty of natural light and water the seeds when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface. Avoid watering the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
With proper soil preparation, you'll be well on your way to successfully growing bergamot in Australia.
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Container growing
Bergamot is an aromatic herb that can be grown in containers. If you're growing a perennial variety, choose a permanent position where the plant can remain undisturbed. Bergamot thrives in full sun but can tolerate part shade. Choose a spot that receives at least three hours of full sun each day.
When growing bergamot in containers, opt for a variety recommended for this method, such as 'Castagnaro'. Use a good-quality potting mix and ensure your container is large enough to accommodate the mature plant; a minimum volume of 20 litres is recommended. Keep the soil moist but never wet or dry. During the growing season, container-grown plants may require additional fertiliser to promote healthy growth.
For the best results, enrich the soil with organic matter and avoid chalky soils. Bergamot thrives in moist soil and prefers living near water sources like stream banks or ditches, where the ground remains moist even in summer. Avoid overwatering the plant to prevent fungal diseases. Test the soil moisture by scratching away a bit of soil with your finger; if the top 5 cm of soil feels dry, it's time to water. Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon, avoiding the leaves.
Bergamot seeds can be sown directly into their final position or started in seed trays/pots and transplanted once established. When using trays, fill them with a good-quality seed-raising mix and sow the seeds about 1 mm deep. Keep the seeds moist, and they should germinate in 7-14 days at a soil temperature of 16-21°C. Once the seedlings develop their first true leaves and are about 5-10 cm tall, they can be transplanted to the garden.
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Watering
Bergamot is native to eastern North America and does best in cooler climates. It thrives in moist soil and is typically found near stream banks, thickets, or ditches where the ground collects water and stays moist even in summer. In its native habitat, bergamot experiences low humidity with most rainfall in winter and hot, dry summers.
When growing bergamot, it is important to keep the soil moist but not wet or dry. Water when the soil is dry about 5 cm below the surface. To check this, scratch away a bit of soil with your finger. Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon, avoiding the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
If you are growing bergamot in a container, use a good-quality potting mix and ensure the container is at least 20 litres. During the growing season, container-grown plants may need additional fertiliser to encourage healthy growth. If you are growing bergamot in the ground, choose a permanent position where the plant will not be disturbed by regular digging. Prepare the soil by weeding thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it, and adding aged animal manure or compost. Keep the area free of weeds until planting.
Bergamot seeds grow best when raised in trays or containers and transplanted to the garden once established. Keep the soil moist 1 mm deep and cover the seeds with soil. Transplant seedlings to the garden when they have their first true leaves and are about 5-10 cm tall.
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Sunlight
Bergamot is an aromatic herb that grows well in full sun but can also thrive in part shade. It requires a minimum of three hours of full sun each day. In cooler climates, seeds can be sown indoors six weeks before the last expected frost. In this case, choose a warm position with plenty of natural light.
When planting outdoors, choose a location that receives ample sunlight. Bergamot thrives in moist soil and near water sources, such as stream banks or thickets, where the ground remains moist even during the summer. For optimal growth, enrich the soil with organic matter, avoiding chalky varieties.
If you're growing bergamot in containers, use a good-quality potting mix and ensure the container is large enough for the mature plant. A minimum capacity of 20 litres is recommended. Keep the soil moist but not wet or dry, and provide additional fertiliser during the growing season if needed.
Bergamot flowers in mid-to-late summer, and its seeds ripen after flowering. Removing the flower heads in the first year can help the plant become established. Propagation through seeds can be unreliable due to their propensity for hybridisation, so root division in spring or taking cuttings may yield better results.
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Common pests and diseases
Bergamot plants are susceptible to some pests, diseases and other problems. Here is a list of the most common problems gardeners encounter when growing bergamot in Australia:
Aphids
Aphids are small (2-4mm long) sap-sucking insects that congregate on the new shoots or the undersides of leaves. They can cause leaves to wilt or become discoloured, and they also excrete honeydew, which can attract ants and other insect pests. To manage aphids, remove them by spraying with a garden hose, apply a soap or alcohol spray, or encourage predatory insects to your garden.
Powdery Mildew
Wild bergamot is susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal disease. To prevent this, ensure your plant has plenty of air circulation. There are also varieties of bergamot that have been specifically cultivated for resistance to powdery mildew, such as Marshall’s Delight, Jacob Cline, and Raspberry Wine.
Frost
Bergamot is vulnerable to frost and cold winters. In many areas, the plant may die down and become semi-dormant in winter. However, it will send up new stems in spring.
Poor Soil
If your soil is poor, your bergamot plant may need extra fertiliser to encourage healthy growth. Apply a slow-release fertiliser at the recommended rate when transplanting or when seedlings are 5-10cm tall. Apply liquid fertiliser at the recommended rate and frequency while plants are fruiting or flowering.
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