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When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Brooks County, TX

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.

Brooks County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 10 and the first fall frost is December 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 306 days.

At an elevation of 2,752 feet, Brooks County receives approximately 64.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 104Β°F, so Lemon Thyme may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemon Thyme root diseases.

Brooks County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
306 days
Last Spring Frost February 10
306 growing days
First Fall Frost December 13

Brooks County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lemon Thyme

Lemon Thyme needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lemon Thyme Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" πŸ’§ Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 10.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 10.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.3" 2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Brooks County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline β€” Brooks County, TX

Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 17 Feb 17 – Mar 3
Harvest April 28 Apr 28 – Jun 30

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February Transplant Outdoors
March Transplant Outdoors
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July β€”
August β€”
September β€”
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Low β€” drought tolerant

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

70–90 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–8 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

πŸ“† Growing Season

306 days in Brooks County

Growing Tips for Brooks 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 Brooks County, TX?

Brooks County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 10. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Brooks County, TX?

Brooks County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 10 and first fall frost is December 13.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Brooks County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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