Lime Thyme

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Lime Thyme to a garden.

Sunlit citrus—lime-bright and thyme-green—rises from Lime Thyme with a fragrance that feels like a fresh squeeze of lemony air.

Leaves are small and finely textured, forming a tidy, low mound with a delicate, aromatic snap; the flavor is vivid and herbal, with a clean, zesty lift that shines in fresh applications and fragrant infusions. Grow this aromatic standout for its long-lasting scent and its ability to elevate herb-forward dishes, from quick garnishes to simmered sauces and pickles.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Upright

Location not set yet

Enter your ZIP for local crop dates

Lime Thyme Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a	Apr 13th	Jun 8th	Aug 17th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Apr 3rd	May 29th	Aug 7th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Apr 3rd	May 29th	Aug 7th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Apr 7th	Jun 2nd	Aug 11th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Apr 3rd	May 29th	Aug 7th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Apr 1st	May 27th	Aug 5th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Mar 27th	May 22nd	Jul 31st – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Mar 23rd	May 18th	Jul 27th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Mar 20th	May 15th	Jul 24th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Mar 14th	May 9th	Jul 18th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Mar 9th	May 4th	Jul 13th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Feb 27th	Apr 24th	Jul 3rd – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Feb 18th	Apr 15th	Jun 24th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Feb 9th	Apr 6th	Jun 15th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Jan 23rd	Mar 20th	May 29th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Dec 29th	Feb 23rd	May 4th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This is thyme for people who like their herbs with a squeeze—small leaves, vivid citrus lift, and a clean snap that doesn’t muddy a dish. Use it fast and fragrant (short steep, fresh finish) so the lime note stays bright instead of turning woody.

Best Uses

fresh garnish on roasted chicken, fish, or vegetables where you want citrus sparkle without heaviness
quick-simmer infusion for broths and vinaigrettes (steep briefly, then strain to keep it zesty)
stirred into yogurt or crème fraîche with salt to make a fast herb-citrus sauce
packaged into pickling brine for a clean, aromatic edge

Flavor Profile

lime-bright citrus lift thyme-green herbal bite fine, delicate leaf snap fragrant, airy aroma that stays clean

Kitchen Pairings

olive oil lemon or lime juice garlic white wine chicken or fish yogurt (or crème fraîche)

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Thymus citriodorus (lime thyme), and how do I treat it?

Lime thyme is prone to root rot and stem dieback when the soil stays wet, especially if air movement is poor. Water only when the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) feels dry, use a fast-draining potting mix, and remove any blackened roots/stems; for persistent issues, re-root healthy tips in fresh, drier media. Watch also for aphids on new growth—spray the shoots with a strong jet of water and, if needed, spot-treat with insecticidal soap.

How often should I water lime thyme (Thymus citriodorus) during the main growing phase?

During active growth, water deeply but infrequently so the soil dries slightly between waterings—aim for watering about once every 7–10 days in typical home conditions, but only when the top 1 inch is dry. In pots, ensure excess water drains freely and never let the pot sit in a saucer of water. Consistent sogginess is the main reason lime thyme develops fungal problems.

How can I tell when lime thyme is ready to harvest?

Begin harvesting around 60–70 days from sowing when plants have formed a sturdy, leafy growth and the stems are well-formed but still flexible. Snip 1/3 or less of the top growth, ideally in the morning, and look for bright, fragrant leaves that feel aromatic when rubbed. Regular light harvesting encourages branching, while letting stems become woody reduces leaf tenderness.