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When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Zavala 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.

Zavala County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 276 days.

At an elevation of 4,905 feet, Zavala County receives approximately 59.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemon Thyme root diseases.

Zavala County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
276 days
Last Spring Frost February 26
276 growing days
First Fall Frost November 29

Zavala County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.4

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" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Mar 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 10.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Zavala County, TX

Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Harvest May 14 May 14 – Jul 16

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

276 days in Zavala County

Growing Tips for Zavala 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 Zavala County, TX?

Zavala County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Zavala County, TX?

Zavala County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is November 29.

🌱

Your Zavala County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Zavala 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 Zavala County, TX. 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.