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When to plant Bee Balm in Jasper County, IA

In Jasper County, Bee Balm is a spring-only crop. Plant May 9–May 23 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Bee Balm in Jasper County, IA

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.

Jasper County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.

At an elevation of 1,048 feet, Jasper County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season.

Jasper County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
158 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
158 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Jasper County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Jasper County, IA

Bee Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 – May 23
Harvest August 8 Aug 8 – Oct 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

158 days in Jasper County

Growing Tips for Jasper 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 Jasper County, IA?

Jasper County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jasper County, IA?

Jasper County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Bee Balm in Jasper County, IA?

In Jasper County, IA, plant Bee Balm after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jasper County, IA for Bee Balm?

Jasper County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Bee Balm grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Bee Balm grow in Jasper County's climate?

Yes — Bee Balm grows well in Jasper County's temperate climate. Jasper County averages a 158-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 7.

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Your Jasper County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jasper County (Zone 5b). 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 Jasper County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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