When to Plant Lemon Balm in Sitka City and Borough, AK
Your May gardening checklist
Welcome to May in Zone 7b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- 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.
Sitka City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 1,935 feet, Sitka City and Borough receives approximately 21.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 69°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lemon Balm to ensure they mature before fall.
Sitka City and Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.4
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 Sitka City and Borough
How your county's soil matches Lemon Balm's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.4) overlaps with Lemon Balm's range (5.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sitka City and Borough is excellent for Lemon Balm — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.5%) — Lemon Balm will thrive.
How to Plant Lemon Balm
Succession Planting Lemon Balm
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 15 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 | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 0.6" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sitka City and Borough). 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 — Sitka City and Borough, AK
Lemon Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Aug 17 |
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 7b
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Sitka City and Borough
Growing Tips for Lemon Balm in Sitka City and Borough
Direct sow Lemon Balm outdoors after April 20 in Sitka City and Borough 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 Sitka City and Borough, AK?
Sitka City and Borough is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sitka City and Borough, AK?
Sitka City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 24.
Your Sitka City and Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sitka City and Borough (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.