When to Plant Bee Balm in Council Bluffs, Iowa (51502)

Location

Council Bluffs, Iowa

ZIP Code

51502

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Monday, April 20, 2026

📅 Planting Calendar

Start Seeds Indoors Monday, February 23, 2026

Transplant Outdoors Monday, May 4, 2026

Pro Tip: Start Bee Balm seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Monday, May 4, 2026.

🌿 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 Council Bluffs?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Monday, February 23, 2026.

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Growing Bee Balm in Zone 6a

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) is a popular garden vegetable. In Council Bluffs, Iowa, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, you should start seeds indoors around Monday, February 23, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Monday, April 20, 2026. Plan to transplant your Bee Balm seedlings outdoors around Monday, May 4, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.