How to Grow Lemon Thyme
Thymus × citriodorus
Lemon Thyme offers a bright citrus aroma that elevates savory dishes and teas alike. Gardeners prize this compact herb for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in full sun across many zones.
📷 Wikipedia: HerbStarting Lemon Thyme: indoors or direct sow?
🏠 Start indoors 3 weeks before your last spring frost, then move the seedlings outside.
Once seedlings have developed their first few true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, harden them off gradually before moving them outdoors.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0, as lemon thyme thrives in these conditions. Since it is a cool-season crop, start seeds indoors 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds at a depth of approximately 1/4 inch; they typically germinate within 14 to 28 days.
Space plants 8 to 12 inches apart to ensure good air circulation and prevent fungal issues. This herb requires no support or trellising due to its low growing habit. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between sessions once established. Apply a light mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds without smothering the roots.
Watch for spider mites and aphids in humid conditions, treating with water sprays or insecticidal soap if needed. Prevent root rot by ensuring excellent drainage; avoid overwatering wet soils. Harvest leaves after 65 days from sowing when growth is vigorous. Snip stems just above a leaf node to encourage bushier plants without damaging the crown.
When to Plant Lemon Thyme
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 2 | April – May | — | August – September |
| Zone 3 | April – May | — | July – October |
| Zone 4 | March – April | — | July – October |
| Zone 5 | March – April | — | June – October |
| Zone 6 | March – April | — | June – November |
| Zone 7 | February – March | — | June – November |
| Zone 8 | February – March | — | May – December |
| Zone 9 | January – February | — | April – December |
| Zone 10 | January | — | April – December |
| Zone 11 | January | — | March – December |
Companion Plants for Lemon Thyme
✓ Good companions
Thyme deters cabbage worms, flea beetles, and other brassica pests
Repels flea beetles and other pests that commonly attack eggplants
Compatible growing conditions, both attract beneficial pollinators and repel moths
Similar Mediterranean growing requirements and complementary pest-repelling properties
Both Mediterranean herbs with similar water and soil requirements, mutually repel pests
Compatible water needs and both deter harmful insects while attracting beneficial ones
Thyme acts as living mulch and repels slugs, ants, and other strawberry pests
Lemon thyme repels tomato hornworms and aphids while improving tomato flavor
✗ Keep away from
Produces juglone which is toxic to thyme and most other herbs
Requires much more water than thyme, incompatible moisture needs can stress both plants
Aggressive spreader that will overwhelm and crowd out thyme plants
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
