When to plant Bee Balm in Madison County, IA
Madison County's 170-day season only supports one Bee Balm planting per year. Sow between May 1 and May 15 for the best chance at full maturity before October 11.
When to Plant Bee Balm in Madison 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.
Madison County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 1,022 feet, Madison County receives approximately 40.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Bee Balm to ensure they mature before fall.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Madison County, IA
Bee Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Harvest | July 31 | Jul 31 – Oct 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Madison County
Growing Tips for Madison 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 Madison County, IA?
Madison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, IA?
Madison County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Bee Balm in Madison County, IA?
In Madison County, IA, plant Bee Balm after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Madison County, IA for Bee Balm?
Madison 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 Madison County's climate?
Yes — Bee Balm grows well in Madison County's temperate climate. Madison County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 11.
Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Madison 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.