When to plant Bee Balm in Olmsted County, MN
Olmsted County's 154-day season only supports one Bee Balm planting per year. Sow between May 10 and May 24 for the best chance at full maturity before October 4.
When to Plant Bee Balm in Olmsted County, MN
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.
Olmsted County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.
At an elevation of 992 feet, Olmsted County receives approximately 32.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Bee Balm to ensure they mature before fall.
Olmsted County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Olmsted County, MN
Bee Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Harvest | August 9 | Aug 9 – Oct 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
154 days in Olmsted County
Growing Tips for Olmsted 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 Olmsted County, MN?
Olmsted County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Olmsted County, MN?
Olmsted County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 4.
When should I plant Bee Balm in Olmsted County, MN?
In Olmsted County, MN, plant Bee Balm after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Olmsted County, MN for Bee Balm?
Olmsted County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Bee Balm grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Bee Balm grow in Olmsted County's climate?
Yes — Bee Balm grows well in Olmsted County's temperate climate. Olmsted County averages a 154-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 4.
Your Olmsted County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Olmsted County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.