When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Coffee County, GA
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.
Coffee County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 259 days.
At an elevation of 110 feet, Coffee County receives approximately 59.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Lemon Thyme may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lemon Thyme, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemon Thyme root diseases.
Coffee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.3
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 — Coffee County, GA
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Harvest | May 24 | May 24 – Jul 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 8b
Growing Season
259 days
Growing Tips for Coffee 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 Coffee County, GA?
Coffee County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Coffee County, GA?
Coffee County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Coffee County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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