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When to plant Bee Balm in Bracken County, KY

In Bracken County, Bee Balm is a spring-only crop. Plant April 25–May 9 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Bee Balm in Bracken 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.

Bracken County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 3,848 feet, Bracken County receives approximately 41.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season.

Bracken County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Bracken County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Bracken County, KY

Bee Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Harvest July 25 Jul 25 – Oct 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

189 days in Bracken County

Growing Tips for Bracken 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 Bracken County, KY?

Bracken County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bracken County, KY?

Bracken County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 24.

When should I plant Bee Balm in Bracken County, KY?

In Bracken County, KY, plant Bee Balm after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bracken County, KY for Bee Balm?

Bracken 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 Bracken County's climate?

Yes — Bee Balm grows well in Bracken County's temperate climate. Bracken County averages a 189-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 24.

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Your Bracken County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bracken 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.

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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 Bracken County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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