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When to Plant Bee Balm in Winn Parish, LA

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.

Winn Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 252 days.

At an elevation of 271 feet, Winn Parish receives approximately 48.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season.

Winn Parish, LA (Zone 8b) Long season
252 days
Last Spring Frost March 8
252 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Winn Parish Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (78 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 6 – Aug 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (77 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: Jun 14 – Aug 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (75 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 14 🍅 Harvest: Jul 14 – Sep 29

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 529 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Bee Balm needs ~1,916 GDD — county provides 4,599 GDD Excellent fit

Bee Balm Planting Timeline โ€” Winn Parish, LA

Bee Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 15 Mar 15 โ€“ Mar 29
Harvest June 14 Jun 14 โ€“ Aug 30

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April โ€”
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
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 8b

Growing Season

252 days

Growing Tips for Winn Parish

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 Winn Parish, LA?

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

What planting zone is Winn Parish, LA?

Winn Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 15.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Winn Parish 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 Winn Parish, LA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.