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When to Plant Bee Balm in Taylor County, FL

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.

Taylor County, Florida is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.

At an elevation of 344 feet, Taylor County receives approximately 59.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 94Β°F, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring β€” great for early planting β€” but Bee Balm will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Bee Balm root diseases.

Taylor County, FL (Zone 8b) Long season
262 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
262 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Taylor County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.1-6.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Bee Balm

Bee Balm needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Bee Balm Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 7.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 9.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.3" 2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Taylor County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Bee Balm Planting Timeline β€” Taylor County, FL

Bee Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 13 Mar 13 – Mar 27
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 – Aug 28

Plant 0.5" deep Β· 8" apart Β· Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

90–120 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

πŸ“† Growing Season

262 days in Taylor County

Growing Tips for Taylor 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Bee Balm in Taylor County, FL?

Taylor County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Taylor County, FL?

Taylor County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 23.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Taylor County gardeners in Zone 8b 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 Taylor County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.