When to Plant Bee Balm in Carbon County, PA
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.
Carbon County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 1,110 feet, Carbon County receives approximately 44.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Bee Balm to ensure they mature before fall.
Carbon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.2
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.
Plant Water Budget
Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Carbon County, PA
Bee Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Harvest | August 2 | Aug 2 – Oct 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
176 days
Growing Tips for Carbon 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
Bee Balm in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bee Balm in Carbon County, PA?
Carbon County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carbon County, PA?
Carbon County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Carbon County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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