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When to Plant Lemon Balm in Beaumont, Texas (77708)

Location

Beaumont, Texas

ZIP Code

77708

USDA Zone

9a

Last Frost

Friday, February 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Friday, January 9, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Friday, March 6, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, February 20, 2026 · Zone 9a

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

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, January 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 Beaumont, Texas? +

In Beaumont (Zone 9a), start Lemon Balm seeds indoors around Friday, January 9, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Friday, March 6, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Beaumont, Texas? +

The average last spring frost date for Beaumont, Texas (ZIP 77708) is around Friday, February 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 9a.

How long does Lemon Balm take to grow? +

Lemon Balm typically matures in about 70 days from transplanting. In Beaumont, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, March 6, 2026 plus 70 days.

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

Lemon Balm should be started indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. In Beaumont, that means starting around Friday, January 9, 2026.

Other Plants for Beaumont

Growing Lemon Balm in Zone 9a

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a popular garden vegetable. In Beaumont, Texas, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, you should start seeds indoors around Friday, January 9, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, February 20, 2026. Plan to transplant your Lemon Balm seedlings outdoors around Friday, March 6, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.