When to Plant Bee Balm in Fairbanks, Alaska (99708)

Location

Fairbanks, Alaska

ZIP Code

99708

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Monday, June 1, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Monday, April 6, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Monday, June 15, 2026

Based on last frost Monday, June 1, 2026 · Zone 2a

Pro tip: Start Bee Balm seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Monday, June 15, 2026.

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🌿 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 Fairbanks?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Monday, April 6, 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

🌱 Seed Starting Trays 🪴 Seed Starting Mix 💡 Grow Lights 🌡️ Heat Mat 🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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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 Fairbanks, Alaska? +

In Fairbanks (Zone 2a), start Bee Balm seeds indoors around Monday, April 6, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Monday, June 15, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska? +

The average last spring frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska (ZIP 99708) is around Monday, June 1, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 2a.

How long does Bee Balm take to grow? +

Bee Balm typically matures in about 365 days from transplanting. In Fairbanks, that means you can expect harvest around Monday, June 15, 2026 plus 365 days.

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

Bee Balm should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Fairbanks, that means starting around Monday, April 6, 2026.

📚 More Bee Balm Planting Guides

🗺️

Bee Balm in Alaska

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 2a Bee Balm Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

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Growing Bee Balm in Zone 2a

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) is a popular garden vegetable. In Fairbanks, Alaska, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a, you should start seeds indoors around Monday, April 6, 2026.

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