When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Kootenai County, ID
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.
Kootenai County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 5,986 feet, Kootenai County receives approximately 20.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season.
Kootenai County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.7
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Kootenai County, ID
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Sep 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 6a
Growing Season
162 days
Growing Tips for Kootenai 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 Kootenai County, ID?
Kootenai County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kootenai County, ID?
Kootenai County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 8.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Kootenai County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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