When to plant Lemon Balm in Mapleton, KS
Mapleton's short 200-day growing season means one Lemon Balm planting between April 15 and April 29. No fall crop in Zone 7a.
When to Plant Lemon Balm in Mapleton, KS
August in Bourbon County, Kansas — your action list
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this August, 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.
Mapleton, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 438 feet, Bourbon County receives approximately 26 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Balm during the growing season.
Mapleton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
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 Mapleton
How your county's soil matches Lemon Balm's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) is within Lemon Balm's preferred range (5.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Bourbon County is excellent for Lemon Balm — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Lemon Balm.
How to Plant Lemon Balm
Succession Planting Lemon Balm
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 16 to harvest before frost.
Lemon Balm 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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bourbon 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 — Mapleton, KS
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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
200 days in Bourbon County
Growing Tips for Lemon Balm in Mapleton
Direct sow Lemon Balm outdoors after April 08 in Bourbon County 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
When should I plant Lemon Balm in Mapleton, KS?
In Mapleton, KS, plant Lemon Balm after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mapleton, KS for Lemon Balm?
Mapleton 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 Mapleton's climate?
Yes — Lemon Balm grows well in Mapleton's temperate climate. Mapleton averages a 200-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 25.
Your Bourbon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bourbon 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.