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When to plant Lemon Thyme in Knox County, MO

Knox County's short 183-day growing season means one Lemon Thyme planting between April 24 and May 8. No fall crop in Zone 6a.

When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Knox County, MO

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.

Knox County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.

At an elevation of 997 feet, Knox County receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lemon Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.

Knox County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
183 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
183 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Knox County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Knox County, MO

Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 – May 8
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 – Sep 4

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

183 days in Knox County

Growing Tips for Knox 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 Knox County, MO?

Knox County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Knox County, MO?

Knox County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Knox County, MO?

In Knox County, MO, plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Knox County, MO for Lemon Thyme?

Knox 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 Knox County's climate?

Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Knox County's temperate climate. Knox County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 17.

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Your Knox County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Knox 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 Knox County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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