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When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Maverick 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.

Maverick County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 261 days.

At an elevation of 4,473 feet, Maverick County receives approximately 48.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Lemon Thyme may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lemon Thyme will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Maverick County, TX (Zone 9a) Long season
261 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
261 growing days
First Fall Frost November 21

Maverick County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.3-8.3

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 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 10.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Maverick County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Maverick County, TX

Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 12 Mar 12 – Mar 26
Harvest May 21 May 21 – Jul 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Transplant Outdoors
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

261 days in Maverick County

Growing Tips for Maverick 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 Maverick County, TX?

Maverick County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Maverick County, TX?

Maverick County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 21.

🌱

Your Maverick County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Maverick County (Zone 9a). 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 Maverick County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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