When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Norton County, KS
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.
Norton County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 659 feet, Norton County receives approximately 30.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lemon Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.
Norton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Lemon Thyme
Lemon Thyme needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lemon Thyme Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Norton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Norton County, KS
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
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Norton County
Growing Tips for Norton 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lemon Thyme in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Norton County, KS?
Norton County is in Zone 5b 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 Norton County, KS?
Norton County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Norton County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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