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When to Plant Bee Balm in Avon, Minnesota (56310)

Location

Avon, Minnesota

ZIP Code

56310

USDA Zone

4b

Last Frost

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Based on last frost Tuesday, May 5, 2026 · Zone 4b

Pro tip: Start Bee Balm seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Tuesday, May 19, 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 Avon?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Tuesday, March 10, 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

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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 Avon, Minnesota? +

In Avon (Zone 4b), start Bee Balm seeds indoors around Tuesday, March 10, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Avon, Minnesota? +

The average last spring frost date for Avon, Minnesota (ZIP 56310) is around Tuesday, May 5, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 4b.

How long does Bee Balm take to grow? +

Bee Balm typically matures in about 365 days from transplanting. In Avon, that means you can expect harvest around Tuesday, May 19, 2026 plus 365 days.

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

Bee Balm should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Avon, that means starting around Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Other Plants for Avon

Growing Bee Balm in Zone 4b

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) is a popular garden vegetable. In Avon, Minnesota, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, you should start seeds indoors around Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Plan to transplant your Bee Balm seedlings outdoors around Tuesday, May 19, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.