When to plant Lemon Thyme in Des Moines County, IA
Des Moines County's 182-day season only supports one Lemon Thyme planting per year. Sow between April 24 and May 8 for the best chance at full maturity before October 16.
When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Des Moines County, IA
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.
Des Moines County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 606 feet, Des Moines County receives approximately 38.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season.
Des Moines County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Des Moines County, IA
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Sep 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Des Moines County
Growing Tips for Des Moines 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 →
Lemon Thyme in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Des Moines County, IA?
Des Moines County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Des Moines County, IA?
Des Moines County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Des Moines County, IA?
In Des Moines County, IA, plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Des Moines County, IA for Lemon Thyme?
Des Moines County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Lemon Thyme grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lemon Thyme grow in Des Moines County's climate?
Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Des Moines County's temperate climate. Des Moines County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 16.
Your Des Moines County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Des Moines County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.