When to plant Lemon Thyme in McCracken County, KY
McCracken County's short 214-day growing season means one Lemon Thyme planting between April 6 and April 20. No fall crop in Zone 7a.
When to Plant Lemon Thyme in McCracken 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.
McCracken County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 214 days.
At an elevation of 1,445 feet, McCracken County receives approximately 48 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season.
McCracken County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — McCracken County, KY
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Aug 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
214 days in McCracken County
Growing Tips for McCracken 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 McCracken County, KY?
McCracken County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McCracken County, KY?
McCracken County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is October 30.
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in McCracken County, KY?
In McCracken County, KY, plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around March 30) and before the first frost (around October 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is McCracken County, KY for Lemon Thyme?
McCracken County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Lemon Thyme grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lemon Thyme grow in McCracken County's climate?
Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in McCracken County's temperate climate. McCracken County averages a 214-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 30 and first frost around October 30.
Your McCracken County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for McCracken County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.