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Can You Grow Lemon Balm in British Columbia?

Canada · Canadian Zone 8 · zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Grows well here

Lemon balm grows as a vigorous perennial in your zone — contain it or it will take over.

Plant zones

3a–9b

British Columbia last frost

early March

British Columbia first frost

early December

Days to harvest

60–70 days

When to plant Lemon Balms in British Columbia

Start indoors

Jan 18

Transplant

Mar 1

Harvest

Apr 30 – May 10

Dates are approximate, based on British Columbia's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a prolific mint-family herb with bright citrus fragrance. Used for teas, desserts, and calming remedies. Warning: it self-seeds aggressively — grow in containers to prevent garden takeover.

Grow in a container to control spreading. Harvest before flowering for best flavor. Cut back hard in midsummer to encourage fresh growth. Tolerates partial shade better than most herbs.

Full lemon balm growing guide →

Gardening in British Columbia

BC has dramatically different climates. The mild rainy coast (Zone 7-9) allows near-year-round growing. The interior is semi-arid (Zone 5-7) with hot summers and cold winters. One of Canada's most productive growing regions.