When to plant Lemon Thyme in Ottawa County, KS
Plant Lemon Thyme in Ottawa County, between April 21 and May 5 — the only viable window. Zone 6b's short season (192 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Ottawa 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.
Ottawa County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 993 feet, Ottawa County receives approximately 24 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season.
Ottawa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Ottawa County, KS
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Sep 1 |
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 | Harvest |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Ottawa County
Growing Tips for Ottawa 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 Ottawa County, KS?
Ottawa County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ottawa County, KS?
Ottawa County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 23.
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Ottawa County, KS?
In Ottawa County, KS, plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ottawa County, KS for Lemon Thyme?
Ottawa County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Lemon Thyme grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lemon Thyme grow in Ottawa County's climate?
Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Ottawa County's temperate climate. Ottawa County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 23.
Your Ottawa County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ottawa County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.