When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Osage 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.
Osage County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 1,300 feet, Osage County receives approximately 38.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season.
Osage County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Osage County, MO
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 |
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
6 – 8
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
207 days
Growing Tips for Osage 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
Lemon Thyme in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Osage County, MO?
Osage County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Osage County, MO?
Osage County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Osage County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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