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When to Plant Lemon Balm in Cleburne 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.

Cleburne County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 214 days.

At an elevation of 207 feet, Cleburne County receives approximately 57.8 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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemon Balm root diseases.

Cleburne County, AL (Zone 7b) Long season
214 days
Last Spring Frost April 1
214 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Cleburne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (97 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 31 🍅 Harvest: Jun 2 – Jul 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (95 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 8 🍅 Harvest: Jun 10 – Jul 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (98 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 25 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Aug 15

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Lemon Balm needs ~1,186 GDD — county provides 3,905 GDD Excellent fit

Lemon Balm Planting Timeline โ€” Cleburne County, AL

Lemon Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 โ€“ Apr 22
Harvest June 10 Jun 10 โ€“ Jul 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May โ€”
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 7b

Growing Season

214 days

Growing Tips for Cleburne 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 Cleburne County, AL?

Cleburne County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cleburne County, AL?

Cleburne County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is November 1.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cleburne County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Cleburne County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.