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When to plant Bee Balm in Baxter County, AR

Baxter County's short 208-day growing season means one Bee Balm planting between April 9 and April 23. No fall crop in Zone 7a.

When to Plant Bee Balm in Baxter County, AR

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.

Baxter County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.

At an elevation of 587 feet, Baxter County receives approximately 45.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season.

Baxter County, AR (Zone 7a) Long season
208 days
Last Spring Frost April 2
208 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Baxter County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7

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 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Baxter County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Baxter County, AR

Bee Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Harvest July 9 Jul 9 – Sep 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

208 days in Baxter County

Growing Tips for Baxter 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 Baxter County, AR?

Baxter County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Baxter County, AR?

Baxter County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is October 27.

When should I plant Bee Balm in Baxter County, AR?

In Baxter County, AR, plant Bee Balm after the last frost (around April 2) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Baxter County, AR for Bee Balm?

Baxter County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Bee Balm grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Bee Balm grow in Baxter County's climate?

Yes — Bee Balm grows well in Baxter County's temperate climate. Baxter County averages a 208-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 2 and first frost around October 27.

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Your Baxter County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Baxter County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Baxter County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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