When to plant Lemon Thyme in Montgomery County, IA
Montgomery County's 164-day season only supports one Lemon Thyme planting per year. Sow between May 3 and May 17 for the best chance at full maturity before October 7.
When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Montgomery 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.
Montgomery 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 1,271 feet, Montgomery County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lemon Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.
Montgomery County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Montgomery 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 Montgomery County
Growing Tips for Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, IA?
Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, IA?
Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, IA?
In Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, IA for Lemon Thyme?
Montgomery 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 Montgomery County's climate?
Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Montgomery County's temperate climate. Montgomery County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 7.
Your Montgomery County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Montgomery 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.