When to Plant Lemon Thyme in USDA Zone 6b
May to-do list for Zone 6b
Your Zone 6b garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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.
In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 3 and the first fall frost is around October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Zone 6b
Where Is USDA Zone 6b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 6b. Click any state to see the Lemon Thyme planting schedule for that location.
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar — Zone 6b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 |
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 | — |
Free Zone 6b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 6b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
70–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 8
Zone Temperature Range
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
205 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Lemon Thyme in Zone
Sow every 8 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Lemon Thyme in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~205 days). Start Lemon Thyme indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
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Saving Lemon Thyme Seeds
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Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Related Plants
Lemon Thyme in Other Zones
Lemon Thyme by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Zone 6b?
In Zone 6b, plan your Lemon Thyme planting around the average last frost date of April 3. Transplant seedlings around April 10.
Can Lemon Thyme grow in Zone 6b?
Yes, Lemon Thyme can grow well in Zone 6b, hardy in USDA zones 5a through 9b. Zone 6b has a growing season of approximately 205 days, which is sufficient for Lemon Thyme (70-90 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Lemon Thyme in Zone 6b?
In Zone 6b, expect to harvest Lemon Thyme from June 19 – August 21. Lemon Thyme takes 70-90 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 6b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 6b is around April 3, and the first fall frost is around October 25. This gives a growing season of approximately 205 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Lemon Thyme?
Good companion plants for Lemon Thyme include Tomatoes, Eggplant, Rosemary. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.