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When to Plant Bee Balm in Powhatan County, VA

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.

Powhatan County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 769 feet, Powhatan County receives approximately 53.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Bee Balm root diseases.

Powhatan County, VA (Zone 7a) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Powhatan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Bee Balm

Bee Balm needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Bee Balm Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 4.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 4.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 5.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4" 0.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.9" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.4" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.5" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 3.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 4.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Powhatan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Bee Balm Planting Timeline โ€” Powhatan County, VA

Bee Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ May 7
Harvest July 23 Jul 23 โ€“ Oct 8

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

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

90โ€“120 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

189 days in Powhatan County

Growing Tips for Powhatan 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Bee Balm in Powhatan County, VA?

Powhatan County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Powhatan County, VA?

Powhatan County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 22.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Powhatan County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Powhatan County, VA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.