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When to Plant Bee Balm in Cimarron County, OK

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.

Cimarron County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 1,132 feet, Cimarron County receives approximately 28.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season.

Cimarron County, OK (Zone 6b) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 19
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Cimarron County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (6 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 21 – Oct 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (7 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 26 🍅 Harvest: Jul 26 – Oct 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (7 days to spare)
Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Aug 9 – Oct 25

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.8″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,248 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Bee Balm needs ~1,759 GDD — county provides 3,048 GDD Excellent fit

Bee Balm Planting Timeline โ€” Cimarron County, OK

Bee Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 26 Apr 26 โ€“ May 10
Harvest July 26 Jul 26 โ€“ Oct 11

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July Harvest
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 6b

Growing Season

182 days

Growing Tips for Cimarron 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 Cimarron County, OK?

Cimarron County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cimarron County, OK?

Cimarron County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 18.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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