When to Plant Bee Balm in Multnomah County, OR
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.
Multnomah County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 357 feet, Multnomah County receives approximately 35.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Bee Balm to ensure they mature before fall.
Multnomah County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 5.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Multnomah County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Multnomah County, OR
Bee Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Oct 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Multnomah County
Growing Tips for Multnomah 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 Multnomah County, OR?
Multnomah County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Multnomah County, OR?
Multnomah County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 27.
Your Multnomah County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Multnomah County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.