When to Plant Lemon Thyme in McDonald County, MO
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.
McDonald County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 977 feet, McDonald County receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season.
McDonald County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.5
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in McDonald County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — McDonald County, MO
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Aug 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
202 days in McDonald County
Growing Tips for McDonald 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 McDonald County, MO?
McDonald County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McDonald County, MO?
McDonald County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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