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When to plant Lemon Thyme in Colquitt County, GA

Colquitt County's 258-day season only supports one Lemon Thyme planting per year. Sow between March 14 and March 28 for the best chance at full maturity before November 20.

When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Colquitt County, GA

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.

Colquitt County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 258 days.

At an elevation of 211 feet, Colquitt County receives approximately 54.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Lemon Thyme may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lemon Thyme, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemon Thyme root diseases.

Colquitt County, GA (Zone 9a) Long season
258 days
Last Spring Frost March 7
258 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20

Colquitt County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lemon Thyme

Lemon Thyme needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lemon Thyme Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Colquitt County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Colquitt County, GA

Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Harvest May 23 May 23 – Jul 25

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

70–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

258 days in Colquitt County

Growing Tips for Colquitt County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Colquitt County, GA?

Colquitt County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Colquitt County, GA?

Colquitt County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 20.

When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Colquitt County, GA?

In Colquitt County, GA, plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around March 7) and before the first frost (around November 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Colquitt County, GA for Lemon Thyme?

Colquitt County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Lemon Thyme grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lemon Thyme grow in Colquitt County's climate?

Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Colquitt County's temperate climate. Colquitt County averages a 258-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 7 and first frost around November 20.

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Your Colquitt County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Colquitt County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Colquitt County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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