When to plant Bee Balm in Bell County, KY
Bell County's short 186-day growing season means one Bee Balm planting between April 26 and May 10. No fall crop in Zone 7a.
When to Plant Bee Balm in Bell County, KY
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.
Bell County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 2,589 feet, Bell County receives approximately 46.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season.
Bell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Bell County, KY
Bee Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Harvest | July 26 | Jul 26 – Oct 11 |
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 7a
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Bell County
Growing Tips for Bell 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 Bell County, KY?
Bell County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bell County, KY?
Bell County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Bee Balm in Bell County, KY?
In Bell County, KY, plant Bee Balm after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bell County, KY for Bee Balm?
Bell 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 Bell County's climate?
Yes — Bee Balm grows well in Bell County's temperate climate. Bell County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 22.
Your Bell County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bell 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.