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When to Plant Bee Balm in Stanton 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.

Stanton County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.

At an elevation of 511 feet, Stanton County receives approximately 34.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Bee Balm to ensure they mature before fall.

Stanton County, NE (Zone 5a) Moderate season
167 days
Last Spring Frost April 26
167 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Stanton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jul 28 – Oct 13
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 3 🍅 Harvest: Aug 2 – Oct 18
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Aug 20 – Nov 5

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 227 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Bee Balm needs ~1,365 GDD — county provides 2,171 GDD Excellent fit

Bee Balm Planting Timeline โ€” Stanton County, NE

Bee Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 3 May 3 โ€“ May 17
Harvest August 2 Aug 2 โ€“ Oct 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 5a

Growing Season

167 days

Growing Tips for Stanton 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 Stanton County, NE?

Stanton County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Stanton County, NE?

Stanton County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 10.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Stanton County gardeners in Zone 5a 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 Stanton County, NE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.