When to Plant Lemon Balm in Prince of Wales-Hyder, AK
This month in Prince of Wales-Hyder, Alaska
Each item below is timed to Prince of Wales-Hyder, Alaska's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
June prep starts now
- First harvests: lemon balm
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.
Prince of Wales-Hyder, Alaska is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 257 feet, Prince of Wales-Hyder receives approximately 14.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 70°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lemon Balm to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lemon Balm successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Prince of Wales-Hyder Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Prince of Wales-Hyder
How your county's soil matches Lemon Balm's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.8) overlaps with Lemon Balm's range (5.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Prince of Wales-Hyder is excellent for Lemon Balm — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lemon Balm.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.0%) — Lemon Balm will thrive.
How to Plant Lemon Balm
Succession Planting Lemon Balm
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 23 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lemon Balm Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 2.2" | 0.7" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1" | 1.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Prince of Wales-Hyder). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lemon Balm Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lemon Balm Planting Timeline — Prince of Wales-Hyder, AK
Lemon Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
202 days in Prince of Wales-Hyder
Growing Tips for Lemon Balm in Prince of Wales-Hyder
Direct sow Lemon Balm outdoors after April 13 in Prince of Wales-Hyder when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lemon Balm in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemon Balm in Prince of Wales-Hyder, AK?
Prince of Wales-Hyder is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Prince of Wales-Hyder, AK?
Prince of Wales-Hyder, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is November 1.
Your Prince of Wales-Hyder Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Prince of Wales-Hyder (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.