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When to Plant Bee Balm in Greene 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.

Greene County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.

At an elevation of 60 feet, Greene County receives approximately 52.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Bee Balm, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Bee Balm root diseases.

Greene County, GA (Zone 7b) Long season
206 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
206 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31

Greene County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (32 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 6 🍅 Harvest: Jul 6 – Sep 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (31 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Sep 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (32 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jul 29 – Oct 14

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Bee Balm needs ~1,680 GDD — county provides 3,296 GDD Excellent fit

Bee Balm Planting Timeline โ€” Greene County, GA

Bee Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 15 Apr 15 โ€“ Apr 29
Harvest July 15 Jul 15 โ€“ Sep 30

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 7b

Growing Season

206 days

Growing Tips for Greene 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 Greene County, GA?

Greene County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Greene County, GA?

Greene County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 31.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Greene County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Greene County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.