When to plant Bee Balm in Richland County, IL
Plant Bee Balm in Richland County during the brief April 20–May 4 window. With 197 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 27.
When to Plant Bee Balm in Richland 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.
Richland County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 1,135 feet, Richland County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season.
Richland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Richland County, IL
Bee Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Oct 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| 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
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Richland County
Growing Tips for Richland 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 →
Bee Balm in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bee Balm in Richland County, IL?
Richland County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Richland County, IL?
Richland County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 27.
When should I plant Bee Balm in Richland County, IL?
In Richland County, IL, plant Bee Balm after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Richland County, IL for Bee Balm?
Richland County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Bee Balm grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Bee Balm grow in Richland County's climate?
Yes — Bee Balm grows well in Richland County's temperate climate. Richland County averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 27.
Your Richland County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Richland County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.