When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Madison County, NY
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.
Madison County, New York is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 420 feet, Madison County receives approximately 48.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.3
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 — Madison County, NY
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Harvest | July 26 | Jul 26 – Sep 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
155 days
Growing Tips for Madison 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 Madison County, NY?
Madison County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, NY?
Madison County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Madison County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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