Lemon Supreme

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Bright lemon-scented foliage leads the way—Lemon Supreme’s leaves release a vivid, citrusy perfume with a crisp, clean snap.

The plants form a tidy, low mound of fine-textured, needlelike leaves that stay aromatic and vibrant through the season, offering a concentrated flavor that shines in fresh bouquets and drying. Ideal for gardeners who want an ornamental herb with bold fragrance, Lemon Supreme is a standout for aromatic teas, sachets, and flavorful infusions.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 6th
Harvest Begins	Aug 5th
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

This lemon thyme earns its keep because the citrus comes through as aroma first, then a sharp, tidy thyme chew—not bitterness. Use it like a finishing herb: steep or soften gently, and it perfumes everything from olive oil to pan juices without turning medicinal.

Best Uses

brightening herb rubs for chicken, fish, and roasted vegetables
muddled-in or steeped lemon-thyme infusions for tea and spritz-style drinks
finishing oils and quick pan sauces (add at the end to keep the citrus perfume intact)
drying for winter sachets or crush-and-sprinkle seasoning mixes

Flavor Profile

vivid lemon-citrus aroma clean, herbal thyme bite crisp, needle-fine leaf snap lightly sweet perfume in warm preparations

Kitchen Pairings

olive oil lemon zest garlic honey chicken white fish

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Thymus citriodorus (lemon thyme), and how can I fix it?

Lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus) is prone to fungal issues like root rot when soil stays wet, especially in cool, humid weather. Improve drainage immediately by letting the top 1–2 cm of soil dry between waterings and thinning crowded plants for airflow; remove any blackened, mushy roots if you see wilting. If you notice gray, fuzzy growth on stems/leaves, cut back affected tips and keep the foliage dry by watering at the soil line.

How often should I water lemon thyme during its main growing phase?

During active growth (around the first 6–8 weeks after establishment), water deeply only when the top 1–2 cm of soil feels dry to the touch. Aim for a light, thorough soak then complete drainage, rather than frequent shallow watering; this herb performs best when the root zone alternates between moist and dry. Reduce watering as the plant matures and in cooler months, because lemon thyme is drought-tolerant but not wet-soil tolerant.

How do I tell when lemon thyme is ready to harvest?

You can start harvesting at about 60 days when new, fragrant growth is established and stems have enough leaf mass to pinch without stripping the plant bare. Harvest in the morning for the strongest lemon scent, taking small sprigs and leaving at least several sets of leaves on each stem so it can regrow. For best quality, avoid heavy harvesting during extreme heat or right after the plant has been stressed by drought or overwatering.