When to plant lemon balm in zone 10a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 10A

Growing SeasonZone 10a

Last frost ~Jan 31First frost ~Dec 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

DECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUG

Start indoors Dec 20 · Transplant Jan 31 · First harvest Apr 1 · Wrap by Jul 22

Last spring frostJan 31

Start seeds indoorsDec 20

Transplant outJan 31

First harvestApr 1

Last harvestJul 22

First fall frostDec 15

Why these dates work in zone 10a

Zone 10a's last spring frost averages Jan 31 and first fall frost Dec 15 — about 318 frost-free days. Lemon Balm tolerates light frost, so you can set plants out ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 6 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.

Common questions

How long does lemon balm take to grow in zone 10a?

Lemon Balm matures in about 60–90 days from transplanting. In zone 10a that means setting plants out around Jan 31 and first picking around Apr 1.

Will lemon balm survive frost in zone 10a?

Yes — lemon balm tolerates light frost. In zone 10a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around Jan 31) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Dec 15).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full lemon balm growing guide →