When to plant Thyme in Montezuma County, CO
Plant Thyme in Montezuma County during the brief June 3–June 17 window. With 123 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before September 27.
When to Plant Thyme in Montezuma County, CO
Your July gardening checklist
Welcome to July in Zone 7a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- First harvests: thyme
Thyme is a low-growing perennial herb with tiny, aromatic leaves and a warm, earthy flavor. It is one of the most versatile culinary and medicinal herbs.
Montezuma County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 27 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 123 days.
At an elevation of 8,063 feet, Montezuma County receives approximately 15.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Thyme to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Thyme successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Montezuma County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
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 Montezuma County
How your county's soil matches Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.7) is within Thyme's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Montezuma County is excellent for Thyme — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Thyme.
How to Plant Thyme
Thyme Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Thyme
Thyme needs approximately 0.3 inches of water per week (1.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Thyme Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.3" | 1.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 1.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 1.3" | 1.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 1.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 1.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Montezuma County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
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.
Thyme Planting Timeline — Montezuma County, CO
Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 |
| Harvest | August 12 | Aug 12 – Oct 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.3"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
123 days in Montezuma County
Growing Tips for Thyme in Montezuma County
Direct sow Thyme outdoors after May 27 in Montezuma County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Start from seed, cuttings, or divisions. Plant in well-drained, lean soil. Prune lightly after flowering. Replace plants every 3-4 years when they become woody.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Thyme in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Thyme in Montezuma County, CO?
Montezuma County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 27. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Montezuma County, CO?
Montezuma County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 27 and first fall frost is September 27.
When should I plant Thyme in Montezuma County, CO?
In Montezuma County, CO, plant Thyme after the last frost (around May 27) and before the first frost (around September 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Montezuma County, CO for Thyme?
Montezuma County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Thyme grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Thyme grow in Montezuma County's climate?
Yes — Thyme grows well in Montezuma County's temperate climate. Montezuma County averages a 123-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 27 and first frost around September 27.
Your Montezuma County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Montezuma County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.