Lemon Thyme — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Thymus × citriodorus |
|---|---|
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 60–90 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 22.9–30.5 |
| Mature height (cm) | 10.2–20.3 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 5–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Transplant |
Growing directions
Plant in very well-drained, lean, slightly alkaline to neutral, gritty soil in full sun; Lemon thyme is a hybrid thyme with an intensely pleasant lemon-citrus fragrance and flavor overlaid on the traditional thyme aromatic — the combination of thyme's herbal character with a bright, clean citrus note makes lemon thyme one of the most useful and distinctive culinary herbs for fish, poultry, tea, desserts, and anywhere a citrus-thyme combination is desired. The low, spreading, mat-forming habit (4–8 inches tall, spreading 12–18 inches) is elegant in rock gardens, between stepping stones, and as a fragrant ground cover in well-drained, sunny areas. In summer, small pale-pink to lavender flowers attract bees. The most commonly grown lemon thyme cultivar is 'Silver Queen' — a variegated selection with silver-margined green leaves that adds ornamental value to the culinary utility. 'Aureus' (Gold Lemon Thyme) has yellow-variegated leaves. The plain green form provides the most intense flavor. In zone 9's summer humidity, lemon thyme is the most heat-sensitive common thyme — it benefits from afternoon shade during peak summer heat and absolutely requires sharp drainage to survive zone 9 summers. Container culture in a porous mix with excellent drainage is often the most reliable approach in Gulf Coast gardens.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0