When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Hidalgo 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.
Hidalgo County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 6 and the first fall frost is December 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 315 days.
At an elevation of 4,081 feet, Hidalgo County receives approximately 67 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 100°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.
Hidalgo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.8
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 10.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Hidalgo County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Hidalgo County, TX
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Harvest | April 24 | Apr 24 – Jun 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
315 days in Hidalgo County
Growing Tips for Hidalgo 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 Hidalgo County, TX?
Hidalgo County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 6. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hidalgo County, TX?
Hidalgo County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 6 and first fall frost is December 18.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hidalgo County gardeners in Zone 9b 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.