When to plant Lemon Thyme in Taylor County, IA
Taylor County's short 170-day growing season means one Lemon Thyme planting between May 1 and May 15. No fall crop in Zone 5b.
When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Taylor 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.
Taylor County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 994 feet, Taylor County receives approximately 38.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lemon Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.
Taylor County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Taylor County, IA
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 |
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
170 days in Taylor County
Growing Tips for Taylor 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 Taylor County, IA?
Taylor County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Taylor County, IA?
Taylor County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Taylor County, IA?
In Taylor County, IA, plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Taylor County, IA for Lemon Thyme?
Taylor 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 Taylor County's climate?
Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Taylor County's temperate climate. Taylor County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 11.
Your Taylor County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Taylor 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.