When to Plant Bee Balm in Sioux County, NE
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.
Sioux County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 129 days.
At an elevation of 775 feet, Sioux County receives approximately 24.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Bee Balm to ensure they mature before fall.
Sioux County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.2
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 Sioux County
How your county's soil matches Bee Balm's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.2) overlaps with Bee Balm's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Sioux County is excellent for Bee Balm — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Bee Balm will thrive.
How to Plant Bee Balm
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Sioux County, NE
Bee Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
| Harvest | August 22 | Aug 22 – Oct 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| 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 4a
📆 Growing Season
129 days in Sioux County
Growing Tips for Bee Balm in Sioux County
Direct sow Bee Balm outdoors after May 16 in Sioux County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 129.0-day growing season in Sioux County is tight for Bee Balm (90.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Sioux County receives only 24" of rain annually. Bee Balm needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Sioux County, NE?
Sioux County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 16. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sioux County, NE?
Sioux County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and first fall frost is September 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Sioux County gardeners in Zone 4a 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.