When to plant Lemon Balm in Summit County, CO
Summit County's short 80-day growing season means one Lemon Balm planting between June 23 and July 7. No fall crop in Zone 5a.
When to Plant Lemon Balm in Summit County, CO
June to-do list for Summit County, Colorado
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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.
Summit County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 80 days.
At an elevation of 7,005 feet, Summit County receives approximately 17.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°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.
Summit County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8
Drainage
Well Drained
Lemon Balm 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 Summit County
How your county's soil matches Lemon Balm's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.0) overlaps with Lemon Balm's range (5.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Summit County 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 moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Lemon Balm.
How to Plant Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Summit County). 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 — Summit County, CO
Lemon Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 23 | Jun 23 – Jul 7 |
| Harvest | August 25 | Aug 25 – Oct 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
80 days in Summit County
Growing Tips for Lemon Balm in Summit County
Direct sow Lemon Balm outdoors after June 16 in Summit County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 80.0-day growing season in Summit County is tight for Lemon Balm (60.0-70.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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 Summit County, CO?
Summit County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Summit County, CO?
Summit County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 4.
When should I plant Lemon Balm in Summit County, CO?
In Summit County, CO, plant Lemon Balm after the last frost (around June 16) and before the first frost (around September 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Summit County, CO for Lemon Balm?
Summit County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Lemon Balm grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lemon Balm grow in Summit County's climate?
Yes — Lemon Balm grows well in Summit County's temperate climate. Summit County averages a 80-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 16 and first frost around September 4.
Your Summit County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Summit County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.