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When to Plant Lemon Balm in New York

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.

New York spans USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Lemon Balm planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Lemon Balm Planting Calendar for New York

Zone 3b ~135 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 10 · First frost: September 22 · 135 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 17 May 17 – May 31
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 – Sep 6
Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 13 May 13 – May 27
Harvest July 15 Jul 15 – Sep 2
Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 – May 22
Harvest July 10 Jul 10 – Aug 28
Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 – Aug 22
Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 – Aug 15
Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 – Aug 7
Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 – Jul 31
Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Harvest June 3 Jun 3 – Jul 22
Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 8
Harvest May 27 May 27 – Jul 15

Growing Tips for New York

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemon Balm in New York?

Planting dates for Lemon Balm in New York depend on your USDA zone. New York spans zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is New York for planting?

New York contains USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.