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When to Plant Bee Balm in Montgomery County, KS

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.

Montgomery County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.

At an elevation of 457 feet, Montgomery County receives approximately 27 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season.

Montgomery County, KS (Zone 6b) Long season
201 days
Last Spring Frost April 7
201 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Montgomery County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (27 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 7 – Sep 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (26 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 14 🍅 Harvest: Jul 14 – Sep 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (28 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jul 28 – Oct 13

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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.9″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,580 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Bee Balm needs ~1,444 GDD — county provides 2,763 GDD Excellent fit

Bee Balm Planting Timeline โ€” Montgomery County, KS

Bee Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 14 Apr 14 โ€“ Apr 28
Harvest July 14 Jul 14 โ€“ Sep 29

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 6b

Growing Season

201 days

Growing Tips for Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, KS?

Montgomery County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Montgomery County, KS?

Montgomery County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 25.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Montgomery County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Montgomery County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.