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When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Alcorn County, MS

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.

Alcorn County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 211 days.

At an elevation of 195 feet, Alcorn County receives approximately 56.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91Β°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season. 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.

Alcorn County, MS (Zone 7b) Long season
211 days
Last Spring Frost March 31
211 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28

Alcorn County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.6

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 β€” 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov β€” 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec β€” 5.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in Alcorn County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline β€” Alcorn County, MS

Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 7 Apr 7 – Apr 21
Harvest June 16 Jun 16 – Aug 18

Plant 0.5" deep Β· 8" apart Β· Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Low β€” drought tolerant

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

70–90 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–8 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

πŸ“† Growing Season

211 days in Alcorn County

Growing Tips for Alcorn 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Alcorn County, MS?

Alcorn County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Alcorn County, MS?

Alcorn County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is October 28.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Alcorn County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

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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 Alcorn County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.