When to Plant Bee Balm in Dawson County, NE
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.
Dawson County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 790 feet, Dawson County receives approximately 21.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season.
Dawson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Dawson County, NE
Bee Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Harvest | August 11 | Aug 11 – Oct 27 |
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 5b
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Dawson County
Growing Tips for Dawson 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 Dawson County, NE?
Dawson County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dawson County, NE?
Dawson County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 3.
Your Dawson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dawson County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.