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

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Showing USDA Zone 9B

Growing SeasonZone 9b

Last frost ~Feb 15First frost ~Dec 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

DECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUG

Start indoors Jan 4 · Transplant Feb 15 · First harvest Apr 16 · Wrap by Aug 6

Last spring frostFeb 15

Start seeds indoorsJan 4

Transplant outFeb 15

First harvestApr 16

Last harvestAug 6

First fall frostDec 10

Why these dates work in zone 9b

Zone 9b's last spring frost averages Feb 15 and first fall frost Dec 10 — about 298 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 9b?

Lemon Balm matures in about 60–90 days from transplanting. In zone 9b that means setting plants out around Feb 15 and first picking around Apr 16.

Will lemon balm survive frost in zone 9b?

Yes — lemon balm tolerates light frost. In zone 9b you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around Feb 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Dec 10).

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