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When to plant Lemon Thyme in Phillips County, KS

Phillips County's 164-day season only supports one Lemon Thyme planting per year. Sow between May 6 and May 20 for the best chance at full maturity before October 10.

When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Phillips 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.

Phillips County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.

At an elevation of 929 feet, Phillips County receives approximately 32.1 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.

Phillips County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
164 days
Last Spring Frost April 29
164 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Phillips County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.5

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 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Phillips County, KS

Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 6 May 6 – May 20
Harvest July 15 Jul 15 – Sep 16

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

164 days in Phillips County

Growing Tips for Phillips 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 Phillips County, KS?

Phillips County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Phillips County, KS?

Phillips County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 10.

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

In Phillips County, KS, plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around April 29) and before the first frost (around October 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Phillips County, KS for Lemon Thyme?

Phillips 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 Phillips County's climate?

Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Phillips County's temperate climate. Phillips County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 29 and first frost around October 10.

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Your Phillips County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Phillips 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 Phillips County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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