When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Benton County, AR
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.
Benton County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 905 feet, Benton County receives approximately 50.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemon Thyme root diseases.
Benton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Benton County, AR
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Aug 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
70–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 8
USDA Zone
Zone 6b
Growing Season
199 days
Growing Tips for Benton County
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Lemon Thyme in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Benton County, AR?
Benton County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benton County, AR?
Benton County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Benton County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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