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When to Plant Lemon Balm in Comanche 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.

Comanche County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 240 days.

At an elevation of 2,216 feet, Comanche County receives approximately 59.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, 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.

Comanche County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
240 days
Last Spring Frost March 19
240 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

Comanche County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (122 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: May 17 – Jul 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (121 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 26 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Jul 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (116 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Jun 21 – Aug 9

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
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 549 gal / 100 sq ft
Lemon Balm needs ~1,186 GDD — county provides 4,380 GDD Excellent fit

Lemon Balm Planting Timeline โ€” Comanche County, TX

Lemon Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 26 Mar 26 โ€“ Apr 9
Harvest May 28 May 28 โ€“ Jul 16

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 8a

Growing Season

240 days

Growing Tips for Comanche 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 Comanche County, TX?

Comanche County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Comanche County, TX?

Comanche County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 14.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Comanche County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Comanche County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.