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When to plant Lemon Thyme in Brown County, KS

In Brown County, Lemon Thyme is a spring-only crop. Plant April 30–May 14 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Brown County, KS

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.

Brown County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. 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 485 feet, Brown County receives approximately 29.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lemon Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.

Brown County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
171 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
171 growing days
First Fall Frost October 11

Brown County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lemon Thyme

Lemon Thyme needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lemon Thyme Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Brown County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Brown County, KS

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

MonthActivities
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

171 days in Brown County

Growing Tips for Brown 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Brown County, KS?

Brown County is in Zone 6a 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 Brown County, KS?

Brown County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 11.

When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Brown County, KS?

In Brown County, KS, 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 Brown County, KS for Lemon Thyme?

Brown 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 Brown County's climate?

Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Brown County's temperate climate. Brown County averages a 171-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 11.

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Your Brown County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Brown 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Brown County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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