When to plant Thyme in Pima County, AZ
Pima County's short 222-day growing season means one Thyme planting between April 8 and April 22. No fall crop in Zone 9b.
When to Plant Thyme in Pima County, AZ
June in Pima County, Arizona — your action list
Your garden in Pima County, Arizona is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Harvest thyme as they ripen
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
July prep starts now
- First harvests: thyme
Thyme is a low-growing perennial herb with tiny, aromatic leaves and a warm, earthy flavor. It is one of the most versatile culinary and medicinal herbs.
Pima County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 222 days.
At an elevation of 4,327 feet, Pima County receives approximately 14.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Thyme may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Thyme will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Thyme successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Pima County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Thyme Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Pima County
How your county's soil matches Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.3) overlaps with Thyme's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Pima County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Thyme will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Thyme.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Thyme.
How to Plant Thyme
Succession Planting Thyme
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 11 to harvest before frost.
Thyme Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Thyme
Thyme needs approximately 0.3 inches of water per week (1.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Thyme Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.3" | 0.5" | 0.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 1.3" | 0.4" | 0.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 1.3" | 0.5" | 0.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 1.3" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 1.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 1.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.3" | 0.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Pima County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Thyme Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Thyme Planting Timeline — Pima County, AZ
Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.3"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
222 days in Pima County
Growing Tips for Thyme in Pima County
Direct sow Thyme outdoors after April 01 in Pima County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Pima County dries quickly — mulch Thyme with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 103°F in Pima County, provide afternoon shade for Thyme and water deeply in the morning.
General growing tips
Start from seed, cuttings, or divisions. Plant in well-drained, lean soil. Prune lightly after flowering. Replace plants every 3-4 years when they become woody.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Thyme in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Thyme in Pima County, AZ?
Pima County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pima County, AZ?
Pima County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is November 9.
When should I plant Thyme in Pima County, AZ?
In Pima County, AZ, plant Thyme after the last frost (around April 1) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pima County, AZ for Thyme?
Pima County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Thyme grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Thyme grow in Pima County's climate?
Yes — Thyme grows well in Pima County's temperate climate. Pima County averages a 222-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 1 and first frost around November 9.
Your Pima County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pima County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.