Growing Lemon Balm in Zone 7A

Lemon balm is a vigorous, lemon-scented mint relative that’s impossible to kill — and equally hard to contain. Grow in a pot unless you want it everywhere.

Zone 7A enjoys a long growing season. You can often get two plantings of cool-season crops (spring and fall).

Top Growing Tips

• Grows in containers to prevent spreading; can take over garden beds
• Cut back hard after flowering to prevent self-seeding
• Fresh leaves make a calming, lemon-flavored tea
• Attracts bees strongly — excellent near fruiting plants
• Shade-tolerant; one of the few herbs that handles partial shade

Companion Planting

Good companions: tomatoes, squash, all vegetables (bee attractant)

Avoid planting near: No serious conflicts, but keep contained

Harvest Timeline

Harvest anytime; best before flowering for tea and culinary use

About Zone 7A

USDA Hardiness Zone 7A has an average last spring frost around Apr 5 and first fall frost around Oct 28. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.