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When to Plant Bee Balm in Sharp County, AR

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.

Sharp County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.

At an elevation of 674 feet, Sharp County receives approximately 50.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Bee Balm root diseases.

Sharp County, AR (Zone 7a) Long season
221 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
221 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Sharp County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (53 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 20 – Sep 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (46 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 2 🍅 Harvest: Jul 2 – Sep 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (49 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Oct 7

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 94 gal / 100 sq ft
Bee Balm needs ~1,680 GDD — county provides 3,536 GDD Excellent fit

Bee Balm Planting Timeline โ€” Sharp County, AR

Bee Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 2 Apr 2 โ€“ Apr 16
Harvest July 2 Jul 2 โ€“ Sep 17

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May โ€”
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

90โ€“120 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 7a

Growing Season

221 days

Growing Tips for Sharp County

Start from seed, divisions, or transplants. Provide good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Deadhead spent flowers for reblooming. Divide clumps every 3 years.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Bee Balm in Sharp County, AR?

Sharp County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sharp County, AR?

Sharp County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 2.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Sharp County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Sharp County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.