When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Cross 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.
Cross County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 233 days.
At an elevation of 531 feet, Cross County receives approximately 53.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°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.
Cross County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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 — Cross County, AR
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Aug 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 7b
Growing Season
233 days
Growing Tips for Cross 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 Cross County, AR?
Cross County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cross County, AR?
Cross County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Cross County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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