When to plant Lemon Balm in Bureau County, IL
Bureau County sits in cold Zone 5b. Plant Lemon Balm April 29–May 13 for the single annual harvest; the October 14 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Lemon Balm in Bureau County, IL
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.
Bureau County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 613 feet, Bureau County receives approximately 34.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lemon Balm to ensure they mature before fall.
Bureau County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lemon Balm Planting Timeline — Bureau County, IL
Lemon Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Aug 19 |
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 | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Bureau County
Growing Tips for Bureau 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lemon Balm in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemon Balm in Bureau County, IL?
Bureau County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bureau County, IL?
Bureau County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Lemon Balm in Bureau County, IL?
In Bureau County, IL, plant Lemon Balm after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bureau County, IL for Lemon Balm?
Bureau County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Lemon Balm grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lemon Balm grow in Bureau County's climate?
Yes — Lemon Balm grows well in Bureau County's temperate climate. Bureau County averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 14.
Your Bureau County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bureau County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.