Growing Lemon Balm in Zone 9A

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 9A has a very long growing season with mild winters. Many crops can be grown nearly year-round with successive plantings.

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 9A

USDA Hardiness Zone 9A has an average last spring frost around Feb 28 and first fall frost around Nov 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.