When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Washington County, VA
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.
Washington County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 816 feet, Washington County receives approximately 54.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°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.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.9
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 | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Washington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Washington County, VA
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Sep 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, VA?
Washington County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, VA?
Washington County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Washington County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.