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When to Plant Lemon Balm in Baylor County, TX

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.

Baylor County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 239 days.

At an elevation of 2,365 feet, Baylor County receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lemon Balm during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemon Balm root diseases.

Baylor County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
239 days
Last Spring Frost March 21
239 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Baylor County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (116 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jul 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (120 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 28 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Jul 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (108 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Aug 10

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 36 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Lemon Balm needs ~1,235 GDD — county provides 4,541 GDD Excellent fit

Lemon Balm Planting Timeline โ€” Baylor County, TX

Lemon Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 28 Mar 28 โ€“ Apr 11
Harvest May 30 May 30 โ€“ Jul 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Season

239 days

Growing Tips for Baylor 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 Baylor County, TX?

Baylor County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Baylor County, TX?

Baylor County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 21 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 Baylor 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 Baylor County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.