When to plant Lemon Thyme in Mills County, IA
Plant Lemon Thyme in Mills County, between May 3 and May 17 — the only viable window. Zone 5b's short season (164 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Mills 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.
Mills County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 1,355 feet, Mills County receives approximately 35.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season.
Mills County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Mills County, IA
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Sep 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Mills County
Growing Tips for Mills 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 Mills County, IA?
Mills County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mills County, IA?
Mills County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Mills County, IA?
In Mills County, IA, plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mills County, IA for Lemon Thyme?
Mills County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Lemon Thyme grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lemon Thyme grow in Mills County's climate?
Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Mills County's temperate climate. Mills County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 7.
Your Mills County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mills County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.