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When to Plant Lemon Balm in Montgomery County, TX

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.

Montgomery County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 286 days.

At an elevation of 180 feet, Montgomery County receives approximately 62.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Lemon Balm may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lemon Balm will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemon Balm root diseases.

Montgomery County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
286 days
Last Spring Frost February 18
286 growing days
First Fall Frost December 1

Montgomery County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lemon Balm Planting Timeline — Montgomery County, TX

Lemon Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 25 Feb 25 – Mar 11
Harvest April 29 Apr 29 – Jun 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Transplant Outdoors
March Transplant Outdoors
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

286 days in Montgomery County

Growing Tips for Montgomery 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemon Balm in Montgomery County, TX?

Montgomery County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 18. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Montgomery County, TX?

Montgomery County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and first fall frost is December 1.

🌱

Your Montgomery County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Montgomery County (Zone 9a). 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 Montgomery County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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