Archers Gold

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Sunlit and fragrant, Archers Gold releases a bright lemony perfume the moment you brush its foliage—zesty, clean, and unmistakably uplifting.

The leaves are small and narrow, with a soft, velvety texture and a warm golden cast that deepens as the plants mature, creating an ornamental herb you’ll want close at hand. Ideal for aromatic bouquets, flavorful infusions, and herb-forward blends, Archers Gold shines wherever its citrus character is the star.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 4th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 13th
Harvest Begins	Aug 12th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Archers Gold brings a clean citrus snap from the first rub—use it late so the lemon perfume doesn’t fold into the heat. The thyme structure keeps it from tasting like straight lemon peel, so it reads elegant with butter and olive oil rather than sharp and harsh.

Best Uses

quick lemon-thyme infusions in syrups or olive oil
herb-forward finishing for roasted chicken, fish, and vegetables
scrubbed-leaf garnish on salads dressed right before serving
baking/steeped use in custards, shortbread, and tea

Flavor Profile

zesty lemon-citrus brightness thyme’s resinous herbal backbone soft, velvety aromatic bite

Kitchen Pairings

olive oil garlic butter honey lemon juice white fish

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Thymus citriodorus (silver-edged lemon thyme), and how do I treat it?

Watch for root/crown rot in humid, poorly drained soil, which shows up as sudden wilting and browning at the base. Improve drainage and only water at the soil level; if you see rotting stems, remove the affected plants and replant in fresh, fast-draining soil. If you notice fine webbing or stippling on leaves, rinse with a strong jet of water and remove badly infested sprigs, since thyme can quickly lose vigor in hot, dry conditions with mites.

How often should I water lemon thyme during its main growth, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During the main growing phase, water only when the top 1 inch of soil is dry; thyme prefers consistently dry-to-moderately dry conditions rather than soggy soil. In full sun, this often means watering about once every 7–10 days, but adjust based on rainfall and container size. After watering, let excess drain completely—wet feet are the main trigger for crown rot.

How can I tell when ‘Archers Gold’ Thymus citriodorus is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants are about 8–10 inches tall and the stems are firm enough that you can pinch off small sprigs without snapping the whole stem. For peak flavor, harvest just before the first flowers open, typically around 60 days after sowing/establishment for spring crops. Take no more than about one-third of the plant at a time to keep regrowth strong.