Blog

When to Plant Lemon Balm in Crawford County, WI

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.

Crawford County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.

At an elevation of 1,251 feet, Crawford County receives approximately 34.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Lemon Balm to ensure they mature before fall.

Crawford County, WI (Zone 4b) Moderate season
165 days
Last Spring Frost April 27
165 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Crawford County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (45 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jul 2 – Aug 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (46 days to spare)
Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Jul 6 – Aug 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (42 days to spare)
Transplant: May 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Sep 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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 183 gal / 100 sq ft
Lemon Balm needs ~650 GDD — county provides 1,650 GDD Excellent fit

Lemon Balm Planting Timeline โ€” Crawford County, WI

Lemon Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 โ€“ May 18
Harvest July 6 Jul 6 โ€“ Aug 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
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 4b

Growing Season

165 days

Growing Tips for Crawford 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 Crawford County, WI?

Crawford County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Crawford County, WI?

Crawford County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Crawford County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Crawford County, WI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.