When to plant lemon balm in zone 9a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9A

Growing SeasonZone 9a

Last frost ~Feb 28First frost ~Nov 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Jan 17 · Transplant Feb 28 · First harvest Apr 29 · Wrap by Aug 19

Last spring frostFeb 28

Start seeds indoorsJan 17

Transplant outFeb 28

First harvestApr 29

Last harvestAug 19

First fall frostNov 30

Why these dates work in zone 9a

Zone 9a's last spring frost averages Feb 28 and first fall frost Nov 30 — about 275 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 9a?

Lemon Balm matures in about 60–90 days from transplanting. In zone 9a that means setting plants out around Feb 28 and first picking around Apr 29.

Will lemon balm survive frost in zone 9a?

Yes — lemon balm tolerates light frost. In zone 9a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around Feb 28) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 30).

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