When to Plant Lemon Balm in Madison, Wisconsin (53708)

Location

Madison, Wisconsin

ZIP Code

53708

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Saturday, April 25, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Based on last frost Saturday, April 25, 2026 · Zone 5b

Pro tip: Start Lemon Balm seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 2026.

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🌿 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 Madison?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, March 14, 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 Madison, Wisconsin? +

In Madison (Zone 5b), start Lemon Balm seeds indoors around Saturday, March 14, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Madison, Wisconsin? +

The average last spring frost date for Madison, Wisconsin (ZIP 53708) is around Saturday, April 25, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5b.

How long does Lemon Balm take to grow? +

Lemon Balm typically matures in about 70 days from transplanting. In Madison, that means you can expect harvest around Saturday, May 9, 2026 plus 70 days.

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

Lemon Balm should be started indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. In Madison, that means starting around Saturday, March 14, 2026.

📚 More Lemon Balm Planting Guides

🗺️

Lemon Balm in Wisconsin

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 5b Lemon Balm Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

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Growing Lemon Balm in Zone 5b

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a popular garden vegetable. In Madison, Wisconsin, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should start seeds indoors around Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Plan to transplant your Lemon Balm seedlings outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.