When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Kittitas County, WA
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.
Kittitas County, Washington is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.
At an elevation of 2,468 feet, Kittitas County receives approximately 18.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lemon Thyme successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Kittitas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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 | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Kittitas County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Kittitas County, WA
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Sep 24 |
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
148 days in Kittitas County
Growing Tips for Kittitas 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 Kittitas County, WA?
Kittitas County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kittitas County, WA?
Kittitas County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is October 2.
Your Kittitas County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kittitas 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.