When to Plant Lemon Balm in Abbeville, Alabama (36310)

Location

Abbeville, Alabama

ZIP Code

36310

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Sunday, March 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, March 15, 2026 · Zone 8b

Pro tip: Start Lemon Balm seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Sunday, March 29, 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 Abbeville?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, February 1, 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

🌱 Seed Starting Trays 🪴 Seed Starting Mix 💡 Grow Lights 🌡️ Heat Mat 🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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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 Abbeville, Alabama? +

In Abbeville (Zone 8b), start Lemon Balm seeds indoors around Sunday, February 1, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Abbeville, Alabama? +

The average last spring frost date for Abbeville, Alabama (ZIP 36310) is around Sunday, March 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8b.

How long does Lemon Balm take to grow? +

Lemon Balm typically matures in about 70 days from transplanting. In Abbeville, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, March 29, 2026 plus 70 days.

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

Lemon Balm should be started indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. In Abbeville, that means starting around Sunday, February 1, 2026.

📚 More Lemon Balm Planting Guides

🗺️

Lemon Balm in Alabama

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 8b Lemon Balm Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

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Other Plants for Abbeville

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Growing Lemon Balm in Zone 8b

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a popular garden vegetable. In Abbeville, Alabama, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, you should start seeds indoors around Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, March 15, 2026. Plan to transplant your Lemon Balm seedlings outdoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.