When to Plant Bee Balm in Cooper County, MO
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.
Cooper County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 1,035 feet, Cooper County receives approximately 35.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season.
Cooper County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Cooper County
How your county's soil matches Bee Balm's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.7) overlaps with Bee Balm's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cooper County is excellent for Bee Balm — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Bee Balm.
How to Plant Bee Balm
Plant Water Budget
Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Cooper County, MO
Bee Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Oct 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Cooper County
Growing Tips for Bee Balm in Cooper County
Direct sow Bee Balm outdoors after April 10 in Cooper County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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
Bee Balm in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bee Balm in Cooper County, MO?
Cooper County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cooper County, MO?
Cooper County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Cooper County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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