When to plant Bee Balm in Custer County, MT
Plant Bee Balm in Custer County during the brief May 21–June 4 window. With 136 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before September 27.
When to Plant Bee Balm in Custer County, MT
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.
Custer County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.
At an elevation of 5,983 feet, Custer County receives approximately 24 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Bee Balm to ensure they mature before fall.
Custer County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Custer County, MT
Bee Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Harvest | August 20 | Aug 20 – Oct 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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
136 days in Custer County
Growing Tips for Custer 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 Custer County, MT?
Custer County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Custer County, MT?
Custer County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 27.
When should I plant Bee Balm in Custer County, MT?
In Custer County, MT, plant Bee Balm after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around September 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Custer County, MT for Bee Balm?
Custer 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 Custer County's climate?
Yes — Bee Balm grows well in Custer County's temperate climate. Custer County averages a 136-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around September 27.
Your Custer County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Custer 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.