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When to Plant Lemon Balm in Bullock County, AL

Lemon balm is a vigorous perennial herb with bright green, lemon-scented leaves. It makes a refreshing tea and is easy to grow but can spread aggressively.

Bullock County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 252 days.

At an elevation of 179 feet, Bullock County receives approximately 48.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lemon Balm during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lemon Balm, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Bullock County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
252 days
Last Spring Frost March 8
252 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Bullock County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (131 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 10 🍅 Harvest: May 12 – Jun 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (133 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: May 17 – Jul 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (130 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: Jun 5 – Jul 24

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 434 gal / 100 sq ft
Lemon Balm needs ~1,186 GDD — county provides 4,599 GDD Excellent fit

Lemon Balm Planting Timeline โ€” Bullock County, AL

Lemon Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 15 Mar 15 โ€“ Mar 29
Harvest May 17 May 17 โ€“ Jul 5

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“70 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

252 days

Growing Tips for Bullock County

Start from seed, cuttings, or divisions. Contain in pots or use barriers to prevent spreading. Harvest frequently to keep plants bushy and prevent flowering.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemon Balm in Bullock County, AL?

Bullock County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bullock County, AL?

Bullock County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 15.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Bullock County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Bullock County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.