How to Grow Bee Balm

Start Bee Balm seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.

Bee Balm typically matures in about 365 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Bee Balm should be started indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.

Bee Balm requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.

Space Bee Balm plants 18 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

Bee Balm has regular (1-2 inches/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Bee Balm is rated easy. Allow shaggy seed heads to dry fully on the stem. Harvest before winter winds scatter seeds. Break apart dried seed heads over a bowl, separate seeds from chaff.

Properly dried and stored Bee Balm seeds remain viable for up to 2 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Yes — Bee Balm is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.