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When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Baca County, CO

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.

Baca County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 4,958 feet, Baca County receives approximately 12.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lemon Thyme successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Baca County, CO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 19
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Baca County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (42 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 30 – Sep 1
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (42 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 26 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Sep 6
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (43 days to spare)
Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: Jul 20 – Sep 21

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

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.3″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 420 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Lemon Thyme needs ~1,400 GDD — county provides 3,185 GDD Excellent fit

Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline โ€” Baca County, CO

Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 26 Apr 26 โ€“ May 10
Harvest July 5 Jul 5 โ€“ Sep 6

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

70โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 8

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

182 days

Growing Tips for Baca 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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Baca County, CO?

Baca County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Baca County, CO?

Baca County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 18.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Baca County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Baca County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.