When to Plant Bee Balm in Cattaraugus County, NY
Cattaraugus County, New York gardeners: here's your May plan
Each item below is timed to Cattaraugus County, New York's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Transplant bee balm outside
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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.
Cattaraugus County, New York is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 133 days.
At an elevation of 486 feet, Cattaraugus County receives approximately 43.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season.
Cattaraugus County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Cattaraugus County
How your county's soil matches Bee Balm's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.6) is more acidic than Bee Balm prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cattaraugus County is excellent for Bee Balm — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Bee Balm.
How to Plant Bee Balm
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Bee Balm
Bee Balm needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Bee Balm Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Cattaraugus County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Bee Balm Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Cattaraugus County, NY
Bee Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 12 |
| Harvest | August 28 | Aug 28 – Nov 13 |
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 | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
133 days in Cattaraugus County
Growing Tips for Bee Balm in Cattaraugus County
Direct sow Bee Balm outdoors after May 22 in Cattaraugus County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 133.0-day growing season in Cattaraugus County is tight for Bee Balm (90.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
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 Cattaraugus County, NY?
Cattaraugus County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cattaraugus County, NY?
Cattaraugus County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is October 2.
Your Cattaraugus County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cattaraugus 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.