When to plant Lemon Thyme in Estill County, KY
Plant Lemon Thyme in Estill County during the brief April 23–May 7 window. With 191 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 24.
When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Estill County, KY
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.
Estill County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 2,559 feet, Estill County receives approximately 42 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season.
Estill County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Estill County, KY
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Sep 3 |
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 6b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Estill County
Growing Tips for Estill 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 Estill County, KY?
Estill County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Estill County, KY?
Estill County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Estill County, KY?
In Estill County, KY, plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Estill County, KY for Lemon Thyme?
Estill 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 Estill County's climate?
Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Estill County's temperate climate. Estill County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 24.
Your Estill County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Estill 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.