Blog

When to Plant Bee Balm in Camden County, GA

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.

Camden County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 295 days.

At an elevation of 194 feet, Camden County receives approximately 51.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 102Β°F, so Bee Balm may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Camden County, GA (Zone 9a) Year-round
295 days
Last Spring Frost February 14
295 growing days
First Fall Frost December 6

Camden County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

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€” 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 4.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Mar 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering

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

Bee Balm Planting Timeline β€” Camden County, GA

Bee Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 21 Feb 21 – Mar 7
Harvest May 23 May 23 – Aug 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February Transplant Outdoors
March Transplant Outdoors
April β€”
May Harvest
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 9a

πŸ“† Growing Season

295 days in Camden County

Growing Tips for Camden 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 Camden County, GA?

Camden County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 14. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Camden County, GA?

Camden County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and first fall frost is December 6.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Camden County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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