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When to plant Bee Balm in Benton County, MO

Benton County sits in cold Zone 6b. Plant Bee Balm April 16–April 30 for the single annual harvest; the October 25 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Bee Balm in Benton County, MO

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.

Benton County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.

At an elevation of 1,323 feet, Benton County receives approximately 39.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season.

Benton County, MO (Zone 6b) Moderate season
199 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
199 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Benton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Benton County, MO

Bee Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 – Apr 30
Harvest July 16 Jul 16 – Oct 1

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 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

199 days in Benton County

Growing Tips for Benton 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 Benton County, MO?

Benton County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Benton County, MO?

Benton County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.

When should I plant Bee Balm in Benton County, MO?

In Benton County, MO, plant Bee Balm after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Benton County, MO for Bee Balm?

Benton 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 Benton County's climate?

Yes — Bee Balm grows well in Benton County's temperate climate. Benton County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.

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Your Benton County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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