Home › Lemon Balm › Grow in Louisiana

Can You Grow Lemon Balm in Louisiana?

US · USDA Zone 8b · zones 8a, 8b, 9a

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

3a–9b

Louisiana last frost

late January

Louisiana first frost

mid-December

Days to harvest

60–70 days

When to plant Lemon Balms in Louisiana

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 30

Harvest

Mar 31 – Apr 10

Dates are approximate, based on Louisiana'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 Louisiana

Louisiana has a humid subtropical climate with very mild winters and long hot summers. Year-round cool-season growing is possible; the summer is the only limiting factor.