When to Plant Lemon Balm in Pope County, IL
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.
Pope County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 1,120 feet, Pope County receives approximately 39.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Balm during the growing season.
Pope County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lemon Balm Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pope County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lemon Balm Planting Timeline — Pope County, IL
Lemon Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Aug 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Pope County
Growing Tips for Pope 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lemon Balm in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemon Balm in Pope County, IL?
Pope County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pope County, IL?
Pope County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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