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Can You Grow Lemon Balm in Tennessee?

US · USDA Zone 6b · zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

3a–9b

Tennessee last frost

mid-March

Tennessee first frost

mid-November

Days to harvest

60–70 days

When to plant Lemon Balms in Tennessee

Start indoors

Jan 31

Transplant

Mar 15

Harvest

May 14 – May 24

Dates are approximate, based on Tennessee'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 Tennessee

Tennessee has a humid subtropical climate transitioning to continental in the east. Nashville is Zone 7a; the Appalachians are Zone 6a-6b. Long productive growing seasons.