My plant is about a foot tall, but there is no signs of a bloom yet. Is this the norm? Or should I be doing something to promote blooming?

It is hard to say what is normal for Costa Rica. It has to grow a more before it blooms - at least a couple of feet. You'd expect yours to be ahead of ours - maybe April or May? I'd be interested to know how it does for you, it seems like such a temperate zone plant.

I didn't realize there was a 'frozen' zone, Ward.

Joan Garvey - Metairie, LA Zone 9

Patricia:

I've read (but can't confirm based on personal experience) that although Mondarda didyma grows well vegetatively in the deep south, it does not bloom well or at all because it has a winter chilling requirement to bloom. If this is true, I imagine you may have trouble getting it to bloom. If you do have problems with it, I've heard that there is an alternative--Monarda pringlei is native to Mexico and is another red-flowered, hummingbird-pollinated species that is supposed to bloom much better in the deep southern US. I'm guessing it might do well for you in Costa Rica, too.

Donald

Zone 4 Red Wing MN

Thanks, Donald. I will look out for that one!

Don't feel bad, Patricia. Mine has been in 2 years now & get about 3 flowers all summer. Nothing like the pix I see & nothing like my 'Rasperry Wine' which is just gorgeous. If the "first year they sleep, 2nd year they creep, 3rd year they leap" jargon doesn't apply this year, I think I will move it. It's in full sun as 95% of my yard is but its very near a White Pine. Not sure if it's a soil thing going on or what.

Joni
Elwood, IL
Zone 5