When to plant Lemon Balm in Saline County, IL
Plant Lemon Balm in Saline County during the brief April 15–April 29 window. With 199 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 24.
When to Plant Lemon Balm in Saline 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.
Saline County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 748 feet, Saline County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Balm during the growing season.
Saline County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lemon Balm Planting Timeline — Saline County, IL
Lemon Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Aug 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Saline County
Growing Tips for Saline 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 Saline County, IL?
Saline County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Saline County, IL?
Saline County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Lemon Balm in Saline County, IL?
In Saline County, IL, plant Lemon Balm after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Saline County, IL for Lemon Balm?
Saline County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Lemon Balm grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lemon Balm grow in Saline County's climate?
Yes — Lemon Balm grows well in Saline County's temperate climate. Saline County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 24.
Your Saline County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Saline County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.