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When to plant Bee Balm in Gallatin County, IL

In Gallatin County, Bee Balm is a spring-only crop. Plant April 13–April 27 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Bee Balm in Gallatin County, IL

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.

Gallatin County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.

At an elevation of 1,391 feet, Gallatin County receives approximately 37 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season.

Gallatin County, IL (Zone 7a) Long season
207 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
207 growing days
First Fall Frost October 30

Gallatin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Gallatin County, IL

Bee Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 – Apr 27
Harvest July 13 Jul 13 – Sep 28

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

207 days in Gallatin County

Growing Tips for Gallatin 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 Gallatin County, IL?

Gallatin County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Gallatin County, IL?

Gallatin County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 30.

When should I plant Bee Balm in Gallatin County, IL?

In Gallatin County, IL, plant Bee Balm after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Gallatin County, IL for Bee Balm?

Gallatin 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 Gallatin County's climate?

Yes — Bee Balm grows well in Gallatin County's temperate climate. Gallatin County averages a 207-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 30.

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Your Gallatin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Gallatin 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 Gallatin County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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