When to Plant Bee Balm in Friendship, Indiana (47021)

Location

Friendship, Indiana

ZIP Code

47021

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Based on last frost Wednesday, April 15, 2026 · Zone 6b

Pro tip: Start Bee Balm seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

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🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Monarda didyma

Days to Maturity 365 days

Mature Height 24-48"

Spread 24"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

💧

Water

Regular (1-2 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

18" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.125" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 10-21 days

Ready to Plant Bee Balm in Friendship?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

TomatoPepperSquash

🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Bee Balm

See which plants help Bee Balm thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🌱 Seed Starting Trays 🪴 Seed Starting Mix 💡 Grow Lights 🌡️ Heat Mat 🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy

✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow shaggy seed heads to dry fully on the stem. Harvest before winter winds scatter seeds.

Processing

Break apart dried seed heads over a bowl, separate seeds from chaff.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Bee balm cross-pollinates between varieties and species — plants from saved seed may show color variation.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 14 plants of Bee Balm. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Bee Balm in Friendship, Indiana? +

In Friendship (Zone 6b), start Bee Balm seeds indoors around Wednesday, February 18, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Friendship, Indiana? +

The average last spring frost date for Friendship, Indiana (ZIP 47021) is around Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 6b.

How long does Bee Balm take to grow? +

Bee Balm typically matures in about 365 days from transplanting. In Friendship, that means you can expect harvest around Wednesday, April 29, 2026 plus 365 days.

Should I start Bee Balm indoors or direct sow in Indiana? +

Bee Balm should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Friendship, that means starting around Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

📚 More Bee Balm Planting Guides

🗺️

Bee Balm in Indiana

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 6b Bee Balm Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

Other Plants for Friendship

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Growing Bee Balm in Zone 6b

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) is a popular garden vegetable. In Friendship, Indiana, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, you should start seeds indoors around Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Plan to transplant your Bee Balm seedlings outdoors around Wednesday, April 29, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.