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

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Showing USDA Zone 10B

Growing SeasonZone 10b

Last frost ~Jan 15First frost ~Dec 31Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

NOVDECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Start indoors Dec 4 · Transplant Jan 15 · First harvest Mar 16 · Wrap by Jul 6

Last spring frostJan 15

Start seeds indoorsDec 4

Transplant outJan 15

First harvestMar 16

Last harvestJul 6

First fall frostDec 31

Why these dates work in zone 10b

Zone 10b's last spring frost averages Jan 15 and first fall frost Dec 31 — about 350 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 10b?

Lemon Balm matures in about 60–90 days from transplanting. In zone 10b that means setting plants out around Jan 15 and first picking around Mar 16.

Will lemon balm survive frost in zone 10b?

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

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