When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Lake County, CO
Top priorities for Lake County, Colorado gardeners in May
Welcome to May in Zone 5a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Transplants going out: lemon thyme
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.
Lake County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 21 and the first fall frost is August 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 70 days.
At an elevation of 7,687 feet, Lake County receives approximately 21.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lemon Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8.2
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.
Soil Compatibility in Lake County
How your county's soil matches Lemon Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–8.2) overlaps with Lemon Thyme's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Lake County is excellent for Lemon Thyme — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Lemon Thyme.
How to Plant Lemon Thyme
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Oct | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Aug in Lake 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 — Lake County, CO
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 28 | Jun 28 – Jul 12 |
| Harvest | September 6 | Sep 6 – Nov 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
70 days in Lake County
Growing Tips for Lemon Thyme in Lake County
Direct sow Lemon Thyme outdoors after June 21 in Lake County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 70.0-day growing season in Lake County is tight for Lemon Thyme (70.0-90.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Lake County receives only 21" 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Lake County, CO?
Lake County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 21. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake County, CO?
Lake County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 21 and first fall frost is August 30.
Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lake County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.