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When to Plant Lemon Balm in Shavertown, Pennsylvania (18708)

Location

Shavertown, Pennsylvania

ZIP Code

18708

USDA Zone

6a

Last Frost

Monday, April 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Monday, March 9, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Monday, May 4, 2026

Based on last frost Monday, April 20, 2026 · Zone 6a

Pro tip: Start Lemon Balm seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Monday, May 4, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Melissa officinalis
Days to Maturity 70 days
Mature Height 18-36"
Spread 24"
Type Spreading
Fruit Size N/A

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Partial Shade to Full Sun

💧

Water

Regular (keep moist)

↔️

Spacing

18" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.125" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 10-14 days

Ready to Plant Lemon Balm in Shavertown?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Monday, March 9, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

TomatoSquashBeanPepper
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Lemon Balm

See which plants help Lemon Balm thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Harvest seed heads when most have turned brown — they shatter quickly so check often.

Processing

Shake dried stems into a container; tiny seeds fall freely from dried calyxes.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Lemon balm self-sows vigorously and can become invasive if all seeds are allowed to drop.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 14 plants of Lemon Balm. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemon Balm in Shavertown, Pennsylvania? +

In Shavertown (Zone 6a), start Lemon Balm seeds indoors around Monday, March 9, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Monday, May 4, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Shavertown, Pennsylvania? +

The average last spring frost date for Shavertown, Pennsylvania (ZIP 18708) is around Monday, April 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 6a.

How long does Lemon Balm take to grow? +

Lemon Balm typically matures in about 70 days from transplanting. In Shavertown, that means you can expect harvest around Monday, May 4, 2026 plus 70 days.

Should I start Lemon Balm indoors or direct sow in Pennsylvania? +

Lemon Balm should be started indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. In Shavertown, that means starting around Monday, March 9, 2026.

Other Plants for Shavertown

Growing Lemon Balm in Zone 6a

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a popular garden vegetable. In Shavertown, Pennsylvania, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, you should start seeds indoors around Monday, March 9, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Monday, April 20, 2026. Plan to transplant your Lemon Balm seedlings outdoors around Monday, May 4, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.