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When to Plant Lemon Balm in Cleburne County, AR

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, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 219 days.

At an elevation of 1,207 feet, Cleburne County receives approximately 48.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lemon Balm during the growing season.

Cleburne County, AR (Zone 7a) Long season
219 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
219 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Cleburne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (102 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 27 🍅 Harvest: May 29 – Jul 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (100 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: Jun 6 – Jul 25
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (102 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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 132 gal / 100 sq ft
Lemon Balm needs ~1,186 GDD — county provides 3,996 GDD Excellent fit

Lemon Balm Planting Timeline โ€” Cleburne County, AR

Lemon Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 4 Apr 4 โ€“ Apr 18
Harvest June 6 Jun 6 โ€“ Jul 25

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 7a

Growing Season

219 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, AR?

Cleburne County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cleburne County, AR?

Cleburne County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 2.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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