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When to Plant Bee Balm in Longview, Texas (75607)

Location

Longview, Texas

ZIP Code

75607

USDA Zone

8b

Last Frost

Sunday, March 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, March 15, 2026 · Zone 8b

Pro tip: Start Bee Balm seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Sunday, March 29, 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 Longview?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, January 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

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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 Longview, Texas? +

In Longview (Zone 8b), start Bee Balm seeds indoors around Sunday, January 18, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Longview, Texas? +

The average last spring frost date for Longview, Texas (ZIP 75607) is around Sunday, March 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8b.

How long does Bee Balm take to grow? +

Bee Balm typically matures in about 365 days from transplanting. In Longview, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, March 29, 2026 plus 365 days.

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

Bee Balm should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Longview, that means starting around Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Other Plants for Longview

Growing Bee Balm in Zone 8b

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) is a popular garden vegetable. In Longview, Texas, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, you should start seeds indoors around Sunday, January 18, 2026.

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