When to Plant Lemon Thyme in USDA Zone 7b
This month in Zone 7b
April rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Zone 7b.
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Transplant lemon thyme outside
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
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 7b, the average last spring frost is around March 18 and the first fall frost is around November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Zone 7b
Where Is USDA Zone 7b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 7b. Click any state to see the Lemon Thyme planting schedule for that location.
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar — Zone 7b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Aug 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 7b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 7b 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
235 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 (~235 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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- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
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Saving Lemon Thyme Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
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 7b?
In Zone 7b, plan your Lemon Thyme planting around the average last frost date of March 18. Transplant seedlings around March 25.
Can Lemon Thyme grow in Zone 7b?
Yes, Lemon Thyme can grow well in Zone 7b, hardy in USDA zones 5a through 9b. Zone 7b has a growing season of approximately 235 days, which is sufficient for Lemon Thyme (70-90 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Lemon Thyme in Zone 7b?
In Zone 7b, expect to harvest Lemon Thyme from June 3 – August 5. Lemon Thyme takes 70-90 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 7b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 7b is around March 18, and the first fall frost is around November 8. This gives a growing season of approximately 235 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.