Blog

When to plant Lemon Thyme in Beaverhead County, MT

Beaverhead County's 94-day season only supports one Lemon Thyme planting per year. Sow between June 17 and July 1 for the best chance at full maturity before September 12.

When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Beaverhead County, MT

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.

Beaverhead County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 10 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.

At an elevation of 7,645 feet, Beaverhead County receives approximately 15.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lemon Thyme to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lemon Thyme successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Beaverhead County, MT (Zone 5a) Very short season
94 days
Last Spring Frost June 10
94 growing days
First Fall Frost September 12

Beaverhead County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Beaverhead County, MT

Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 17 Jun 17 – Jul 1
Harvest August 26 Aug 26 – Oct 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
June Transplant Outdoors
July Transplant Outdoors
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

94 days in Beaverhead County

Growing Tips for Beaverhead 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 Beaverhead County, MT?

Beaverhead County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 10. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Beaverhead County, MT?

Beaverhead County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 10 and first fall frost is September 12.

When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Beaverhead County, MT?

In Beaverhead County, MT, plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around June 10) and before the first frost (around September 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Beaverhead County, MT for Lemon Thyme?

Beaverhead County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Lemon Thyme grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lemon Thyme grow in Beaverhead County's climate?

Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Beaverhead County's temperate climate. Beaverhead County averages a 94-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 10 and first frost around September 12.

🌱

Your Beaverhead County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Beaverhead County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Beaverhead County, MT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.