Bergamot
Introduction
Bergamot has edible leaves and flowers that can be added raw to salads, but more typically the leaves are steeped in boiling water to make tea.
Planting
- Sow indoors in February
- Alternatively, purchase as a plant
Harvesting
- A perennial plant that dies back in winter
- Harvest leaves from May onwards
- Harvest flowers from late June onwards
(inside)
(outside)
(fresh)
(stored)
= jar, 
= freeze, 
= store
Varieties
The plants produce wonderful red pink flowers that are enjoyed by butterflies and bees, and make a great addition to an ornamental garden.
Retailers often sell a small range of bergamot plants differentiated by the colour of their flowers and their growth habit (tall or bushy).
The easy way for a gardener to organise their growing and discover gardening ideas.
Growing
The plant grows to about a meter tall, and may need staking, especially if growing in a pot. Water regularly to prevent the leaves becoming chewy.
Sow seeds indoors in the spring, buy as a pot, or ask a friend or neighbour to divide a plant they have at home (in the spring).
Whilst a perennial plant, I have found it necessary to divide the bergamot I've grown in pots each spring. This has helped the plants to grow vigorously, with the additional benefit of getting additional plants from the divisions.