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When to plant Bee Balm in Labette County, KS

In Labette County, Bee Balm is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 14–April 28 for an 90–120-day harvest, finishing well before the October 27 first frost.

When to Plant Bee Balm in Labette County, KS

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.

Labette County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 203 days.

At an elevation of 421 feet, Labette County receives approximately 22.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season.

Labette County, KS (Zone 7a) Long season
203 days
Last Spring Frost April 7
203 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Labette County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.3

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 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Labette County, KS

Bee Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 14 Apr 14 – Apr 28
Harvest July 14 Jul 14 – Sep 29

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

203 days in Labette County

Growing Tips for Labette 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 Labette County, KS?

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

What planting zone is Labette County, KS?

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

When should I plant Bee Balm in Labette County, KS?

In Labette County, KS, plant Bee Balm after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Labette County, KS for Bee Balm?

Labette 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 Labette County's climate?

Yes — Bee Balm grows well in Labette County's temperate climate. Labette County averages a 203-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 27.

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Your Labette County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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