When to plant Lemon Thyme in Weldon, CA
Plant Lemon Thyme in Weldon during the brief March 7–March 21 window. With 275 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before November 29.
When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Weldon, CA
Top priorities for Kern County, California gardeners in June
Each item below is timed to Kern County, California's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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.
Weldon, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 28 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 274 days.
At an elevation of 389 feet, Kern County receives approximately 16.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Lemon Thyme may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lemon Thyme successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Weldon Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Lemon Thyme 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.
Soil Compatibility in Weldon
How your county's soil matches Lemon Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.7) is within Lemon Thyme's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Kern County is excellent for Lemon Thyme — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lemon Thyme.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Lemon Thyme.
How to Plant Lemon Thyme
Succession Planting Lemon Thyme
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 31 to harvest before frost.
Lemon Thyme Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Lemon Thyme
Lemon Thyme needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lemon Thyme Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 0.5" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.1" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.2" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 0.7" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Kern County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lemon Thyme Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Weldon, CA
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Harvest | May 16 | May 16 – Jul 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
274 days in Kern County
Growing Tips for Lemon Thyme in Weldon
Direct sow Lemon Thyme outdoors after February 28 in Kern County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 102°F in Kern County, provide afternoon shade for Lemon Thyme and water deeply in the morning.
Kern County receives only 17" of rain annually. Lemon Thyme needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Weldon, CA?
In Weldon, CA, plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around February 28) and before the first frost (around November 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Weldon, CA for Lemon Thyme?
Weldon sits in USDA Zone 9b. Lemon Thyme grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lemon Thyme grow in Weldon's climate?
Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Weldon's temperate climate. Weldon averages a 275-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 28 and first frost around November 29.
Your Kern County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kern County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.