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When to Plant Bee Balm in Comanche 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.

Comanche County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 212 days.

At an elevation of 637 feet, Comanche County receives approximately 33.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season.

Comanche County, OK (Zone 7b) Long season
212 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
212 growing days
First Fall Frost November 4

Comanche County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (33 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 8 🍅 Harvest: Jul 8 – Sep 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (37 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 13 – Sep 28
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (41 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jul 23 – Oct 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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 779 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Bee Balm needs ~2,152 GDD — county provides 4,346 GDD Excellent fit

Bee Balm Planting Timeline โ€” Comanche County, OK

Bee Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 โ€“ Apr 27
Harvest July 13 Jul 13 โ€“ Sep 28

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 โ€”
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
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 7b

Growing Season

212 days

Growing Tips for Comanche 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 Comanche County, OK?

Comanche County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Comanche County, OK?

Comanche County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is November 4.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Comanche County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Comanche County, OK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.