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When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Wichita 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.

Wichita County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.

At an elevation of 823 feet, Wichita County receives approximately 26.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season.

Wichita County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
168 days
Last Spring Frost April 27
168 growing days
First Fall Frost October 12

Wichita County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (29 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jul 7 – Sep 8
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (28 days to spare)
Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Jul 13 – Sep 14
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (29 days to spare)
Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 28 – Sep 29

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
0.7″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Lemon Thyme needs ~1,220 GDD — county provides 2,562 GDD Excellent fit

Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline โ€” Wichita County, KS

Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 โ€“ May 18
Harvest July 13 Jul 13 โ€“ Sep 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
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

168 days

Growing Tips for Wichita 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 Wichita County, KS?

Wichita County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wichita County, KS?

Wichita County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 12.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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