When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Franklin 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.
Franklin County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.
At an elevation of 1,224 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 47.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.6
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 — Franklin County, AR
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | June 14 | Jun 14 – Aug 16 |
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 7a
Growing Season
217 days
Growing Tips for Franklin 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 Franklin County, AR?
Franklin County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, AR?
Franklin County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Franklin County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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