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When to Plant Lemon Balm in DeWitt 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.

DeWitt County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 2 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 269 days.

At an elevation of 1,649 feet, DeWitt County receives approximately 62.1 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.

DeWitt County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
269 days
Last Spring Frost March 2
269 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26

DeWitt County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (151 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 25 🍅 Harvest: Apr 29 – Jun 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (150 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 9 🍅 Harvest: May 11 – Jun 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (144 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 1 🍅 Harvest: Jun 3 – Jul 22

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
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 949 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Lemon Balm needs ~1,186 GDD — county provides 4,909 GDD Excellent fit

Lemon Balm Planting Timeline โ€” DeWitt County, TX

Lemon Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 9 Mar 9 โ€“ Mar 23
Harvest May 11 May 11 โ€“ Jun 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
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 8b

Growing Season

269 days

Growing Tips for DeWitt 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 DeWitt County, TX?

DeWitt County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 2. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is DeWitt County, TX?

DeWitt County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 2 and first fall frost is November 26.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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