Most home gardeners are already big fans of lemon thyme. It’s a superstar in the kitchen and works wonders as a natural pest repellent in the garden. But when the temperatures start to drop, this citrusy herb needs a little extra TLC to make it through to spring.
Is Lemon Thyme Actually Winter-Hardy?
Standard garden thyme is a tough cookie, often surviving brutal temperatures down to -20°F. Lemon thyme, however, is a bit more sensitive. While it’s not quite as rugged as its cousin, you can definitely help it survive the frost with the right prep. Trust me, it’s worth the effort—you’ll be rewarded come harvest time with plenty of fresh herbs that are a breeze to dry and store.
Protecting Lemon Thyme in the Garden Bed
As soon as the cold weather rolls in, you’ll want to gear up to protect your outdoor plants. Here’s a quick checklist to get your lemon thyme ready for winter:
- Before the first hard frost hits, prune the plant back by about half.
- Cover the base and the stems with a thick layer of mulch or fallen leaves (about 12 inches deep).
- Use some evergreen branches or brush to weigh down the mulch and keep everything in place.
A breathable garden fleece or frost blanket draped over the plant is another great way to keep it cozy. Just secure the edges with some heavy stones. The main goal is to keep the roots alive; if the top part of the plant gets a little frostbite, don’t panic—it’ll usually bounce back as long as the roots stay warm.
Caring for Potted Lemon Thyme
If you’re growing your lemon thyme in a pot smaller than 12 inches in diameter, you’ll need to take action. In small containers, the roots are much more vulnerable to freezing solid. Your best bet is to move the pot to a protected winter spot. Just like with garden plants, give it a good trim—cutting it back by half—once temperatures hit the freezing mark.
A bright, frost-free room (like a garage or sunroom) kept between 40°F and 50°F is perfect. A good rule of thumb: the colder the room, the less light the plant needs. During its winter nap, go very easy on the water and skip the fertilizer entirely.
If your lemon thyme is in a larger pot, it can stay outside if you move it to a sunny, south-facing wall. To keep the “toes” warm, place the pot on a wooden pallet or a piece of Styrofoam so it’s not sitting directly on the cold ground. Wrapping the pot in a thick layer of burlap or fleece and mulching the top of the soil with leaves or wood shavings will provide that extra layer of insulation. On sunny, dry days, don’t forget to give it a tiny sip of water so it doesn’t dry out completely!
