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When to Plant Bee Balm in Pershing County, NV

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.

Pershing County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 123 days.

At an elevation of 4,541 feet, Pershing County receives approximately 16.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 100ยฐF, so Bee Balm may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Bee Balm will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Bee Balm successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Pershing County, NV (Zone 6a) Short season
123 days
Last Spring Frost May 23
123 growing days
First Fall Frost September 23

Pershing County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 20 🍅 Harvest: Aug 19 – Nov 4
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 30 🍅 Harvest: Aug 29 – Nov 14
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 23 🍅 Harvest: Sep 22 – Dec 8

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 981 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Bee Balm needs ~2,625 GDD — county provides 3,075 GDD Good fit

Bee Balm Planting Timeline โ€” Pershing County, NV

Bee Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 30 May 30 โ€“ Jun 13
Harvest August 29 Aug 29 โ€“ Nov 14

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 Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November Harvest
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 6a

Growing Season

123 days

Growing Tips for Pershing 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 Pershing County, NV?

Pershing County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 23. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pershing County, NV?

Pershing County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and first fall frost is September 23.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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