When to plant Lemon Thyme in Marion County, MO
In Marion County, Lemon Thyme is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 21–May 5 for an 70–90-day harvest, finishing well before the October 21 first frost.
When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Marion 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.
Marion County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.
At an elevation of 1,252 feet, Marion County receives approximately 36.9 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.
Marion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Marion County, MO
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 6a
📆 Growing Season
190 days in Marion County
Growing Tips for Marion 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 Marion County, MO?
Marion County is in Zone 6a 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 Marion County, MO?
Marion County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Marion County, MO?
In Marion County, MO, plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Marion County, MO for Lemon Thyme?
Marion 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 Marion County's climate?
Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Marion County's temperate climate. Marion County averages a 190-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 21.
Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Marion 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.