When to plant Lemon Thyme in Ringgold County, IA
Plant Lemon Thyme in Ringgold County during the brief April 30–May 14 window. With 171 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 11.
When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Ringgold 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.
Ringgold County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 1,349 feet, Ringgold County receives approximately 40.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season.
Ringgold County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Ringgold County, IA
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 |
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 5b
📆 Growing Season
171 days in Ringgold County
Growing Tips for Ringgold 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 Ringgold County, IA?
Ringgold County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ringgold County, IA?
Ringgold County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Ringgold County, IA?
In Ringgold County, IA, plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ringgold County, IA for Lemon Thyme?
Ringgold 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 Ringgold County's climate?
Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Ringgold County's temperate climate. Ringgold County averages a 171-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 11.
Your Ringgold County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ringgold 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.