When to Plant Bee Balm in Ames, Nebraska (68621)

Location

Ames, Nebraska

ZIP Code

68621

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Saturday, April 25, 2026

📅 Planting Calendar

Start Seeds Indoors Saturday, February 28, 2026

Transplant Outdoors Saturday, May 9, 2026

Pro Tip: Start Bee Balm seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 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 Ames?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, February 28, 2026.

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Growing Bee Balm in Zone 5b

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) is a popular garden vegetable. In Ames, Nebraska, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should start seeds indoors around Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Plan to transplant your Bee Balm seedlings outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.