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When to Plant Bee Balm in Bastrop County, TX

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.

Bastrop County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 27 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.

At an elevation of 3,716 feet, Bastrop County receives approximately 57 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Bee Balm, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Bee Balm root diseases.

Bastrop County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
277 days
Last Spring Frost February 27
277 growing days
First Fall Frost December 1

Bastrop County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Bastrop County, TX

Bee Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Harvest June 5 Jun 5 – Aug 21

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Transplant Outdoors
April
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
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

277 days in Bastrop County

Growing Tips for Bastrop 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 Bastrop County, TX?

Bastrop County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 27. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bastrop County, TX?

Bastrop County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 27 and first fall frost is December 1.

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Your Bastrop County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bastrop 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.

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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 Bastrop County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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