Bee Balm Planting Guide
Bee balm is a native perennial herb with shaggy, scarlet flower heads that attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Its leaves make an aromatic tea reminiscent of Earl Grey.
Monarda didyma · Herb · Lamiaceae family · 90–120 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Bee Balm?
Bee Balm Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Bee Balm planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | — | — | May 22 | Aug 21 – Sep 25 |
| Zone 3b | — | — | May 17 | Aug 16 – Sep 20 |
| Zone 4a | — | — | May 13 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 |
| Zone 4b | — | — | May 8 | Aug 7 – Oct 2 |
| Zone 5a | — | — | May 2 | Aug 1 – Oct 17 |
| Zone 5b | — | — | Apr 25 | Jul 25 – Oct 10 |
| Zone 6a | — | — | Apr 17 | Jul 17 – Oct 2 |
| Zone 6b | — | — | Apr 10 | Jul 10 – Sep 25 |
| Zone 7a | — | — | Apr 1 | Jul 1 – Sep 16 |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Mar 25 | Jun 24 – Sep 9 |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Mar 15 | Jun 14 – Aug 30 |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Mar 4 | Jun 3 – Aug 19 |
| Zone 9a | — | — | Feb 17 | May 19 – Aug 4 |
| Zone 9b | — | — | Feb 1 | May 3 – Jul 19 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil pH
6 – 7
Hardiness Zones
Zone 3a – 9b
Growing Tips
Start from seed, divisions, or transplants. Provide good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Deadhead spent flowers for reblooming. Divide clumps every 3 years.
Saving Bee Balm Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Level Up Your Garden
Bee Balm by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Bee Balm?
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) takes 90 to 120 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Bee Balm grow in?
Bee Balm can be grown in USDA zones 3a through 9b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Bee Balm need?
Growing Bee Balm requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.