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When to Plant Bee Balm in Haiku, Hawaii (96708)

Location

Haiku, Hawaii

ZIP Code

96708

USDA Zone

12a

Last Frost

Thursday, January 1, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Thursday, November 6, 2025

Transplant Outdoors

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Based on last frost Thursday, January 1, 2026 · Zone 12a

Pro tip: Start Bee Balm seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Thursday, January 15, 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 Haiku?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Thursday, November 6, 2025.

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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 Haiku, Hawaii? +

In Haiku (Zone 12a), start Bee Balm seeds indoors around Thursday, November 6, 2025 and transplant outdoors around Thursday, January 15, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Haiku, Hawaii? +

The average last spring frost date for Haiku, Hawaii (ZIP 96708) is around Thursday, January 1, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 12a.

How long does Bee Balm take to grow? +

Bee Balm typically matures in about 365 days from transplanting. In Haiku, that means you can expect harvest around Thursday, January 15, 2026 plus 365 days.

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

Bee Balm should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Haiku, that means starting around Thursday, November 6, 2025.

Other Plants for Haiku

Growing Bee Balm in Zone 12a

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) is a popular garden vegetable. In Haiku, Hawaii, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 12a, you should start seeds indoors around Thursday, November 6, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Thursday, January 1, 2026. Plan to transplant your Bee Balm seedlings outdoors around Thursday, January 15, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.