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When to Plant Lemon Balm in Selkirk, MB

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.

Selkirk, Manitoba is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.

At an elevation of 744 feet, Selkirk receives approximately 13.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly black chernozem soil. Summer highs average 70°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.

Selkirk, MB (Zone 4b) Short season
147 days
Last Spring Frost May 9
147 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Selkirk Soil Profile

Soil Type

Black Chernozem

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lemon Balm Planting Timeline — Selkirk, MB

Lemon Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 16 May 16 – May 30
Harvest July 18 Jul 18 – Sep 5

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 4b

📆 Growing Season

147 days in Selkirk

Growing Tips for Selkirk

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemon Balm in Selkirk, MB?

Selkirk is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Selkirk, MB?

Selkirk, Manitoba is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 3.

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Your Selkirk Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Selkirk (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Selkirk, MB. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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