Lemon Thyme Planting Guide
Lemon thyme is a low-growing perennial herb with tiny, citrus-scented leaves. It combines the savory quality of thyme with a bright lemon flavor, excellent with fish and poultry.
Thymus citriodorus · Herb · Lamiaceae family · 70–90 days to maturity
Get Your Personalized Lemon Thyme Planting Dates
Enter your ZIP code to see exact planting dates, soil compatibility, and growing tips specific to your county.
Where Can You Grow Lemon Thyme?
Lemon Thyme Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Lemon Thyme planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 5a | — | — | May 2 | Jul 11 – Sep 12 |
| Zone 5b | — | — | Apr 25 | Jul 4 – Sep 5 |
| Zone 6a | — | — | Apr 17 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 |
| Zone 6b | — | — | Apr 10 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 |
| Zone 7a | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Mar 25 | Jun 3 – Aug 5 |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Mar 15 | May 24 – Jul 26 |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Mar 4 | May 13 – Jul 15 |
| Zone 9a | — | — | Feb 17 | Apr 28 – Jun 30 |
| Zone 9b | — | — | Feb 1 | Apr 12 – Jun 14 |
Why are some columns showing "—"?
Start Indoors shows "—" because Lemon Thyme is typically direct sown outdoors rather than started indoors. It germinates quickly and doesn't transplant well.
Direct Sow shows "—" because Lemon Thyme benefits from being started indoors first, then transplanted after the last frost.
How to Plant Lemon Thyme
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
Drought tolerant — water only when soil is dry 2" deep.
🧪 Soil pH
6 – 8
Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil — ideal for most garden beds.
🗺️ Hardiness Zones
Zone 5a – 9b
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
Medium-season crop. Start early for best results in shorter seasons.
👪 Plant Family
Lamiaceae
Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Lamiaceae family crops grew last year.
Succession Planting Lemon Thyme
Lemon Thyme matures in just 70–90 days, making it ideal for succession planting. In a typical 180-day growing season, you can get up to 2 successive plantings by sowing every 8 weeks.
Your actual succession count depends on your local frost dates. Enter your ZIP code to get personalized succession planting dates for your area.
Companion Planting for Lemon Thyme
✅ Good Companions
Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Growing Tips for Lemon Thyme
Start from cuttings or divisions. Plant in well-drained soil. Trim back after flowering. Use as a fragrant ground cover or edging plant along garden paths.
Saving Lemon Thyme Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Level Up Your Garden
Lemon Thyme by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Lemon Thyme?
Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus) takes 70 to 90 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Lemon Thyme grow in?
Lemon Thyme can be grown in USDA zones 5a through 9b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Lemon Thyme need?
Growing Lemon Thyme requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Low — drought tolerant, and soil pH of 6 to 8.