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When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Quitman 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.

Quitman County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.

At an elevation of 474 feet, Quitman County receives approximately 56.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, 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.

Quitman County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
230 days
Last Spring Frost March 20
230 growing days
First Fall Frost November 5

Quitman County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (93 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 18 🍅 Harvest: May 27 – Jul 29
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (90 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 5 – Aug 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (90 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 17 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Aug 28

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
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Lemon Thyme needs ~1,520 GDD — county provides 4,370 GDD Excellent fit

Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline โ€” Quitman County, MS

Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 27 Mar 27 โ€“ Apr 10
Harvest June 5 Jun 5 โ€“ Aug 7

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
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 8a

Growing Season

230 days

Growing Tips for Quitman 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 Quitman County, MS?

Quitman County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Quitman County, MS?

Quitman County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 5.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Quitman County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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