Lemon Balm in Zone 3a & 3b
Melissa officinalis
Yes, lemon balm grows in zones 3a and 3b. Start seeds indoors Apr 25–May 2 and plant out Jun 6–Jun 13.
When to plant lemon balm in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. It needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Apr 25–May 2 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Jun 6–Jun 13 |
| Estimated harvest | Aug 10–Aug 17 (~65 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1.5-2 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 3b
These go outside within two weeks of lemon balm in zone 3b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilJun 13–Jun 20
- BorageMay 30–Jun 6
- DillMay 23–May 30
- HyssopJun 6–Jun 13
- Shiso (Perilla)Jun 6–Jun 13
- SteviaJun 6–Jun 13
Lemon balm is a member of the mint family, and it shares mint's biggest garden habit along with its fast growth and pleasant citrus scent: left unchecked, it spreads. If self-seeding is the part that bothers you most, the sterile 'Compacta' cultivar is worth seeking out over a generic packet.
How lemon balm fits zone 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Lemon balm needs about 65 days from transplant to first harvest.
Lemon Balm planting windows in every zone
Zone 3b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b (your zone) | Apr 25–May 2 | Jun 6–Jun 13 | Aug 10–Aug 17 |
| 4a & 4b | Apr 10–Apr 17 | May 22–May 29 | Jul 26–Aug 2 |
| 5a & 5b | Apr 5–Apr 12 | May 17–May 24 | Jul 21–Jul 28 |
| 6a & 6b | Mar 21–Mar 28 | May 2–May 9 | Jul 6–Jul 13 |
| 7a & 7b | Mar 6–Mar 13 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | Jun 21–Jun 28 |
| 8a & 8b | Feb 18–Feb 25 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | Jun 5–Jun 12 |
| 9a & 9b | Jan 11–Jan 18 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | Apr 28–May 5 |
| 10a & 10bSpring window | Not usually | Feb–Apr | ~65 days after transplanting |
| Fall window | Not usually | Oct–Nov | ~65 days after transplanting |
Harvest dates are about 65 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for lemon balm.
Where to buy lemon balm seeds
Botanical Interests · True Leaf Market · Burpee · High Mowing Organic Seeds (each supplier's lemon balm seeds)
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing lemon balm" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 3b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Lemon Balm in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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