When to plant Thyme in Grand County, CO
Grand County's short 114-day growing season means one Thyme planting between June 4 and June 18. No fall crop in Zone 5a.
When to Plant Thyme in Grand County, CO
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.
Grand County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 28 and the first fall frost is September 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 114 days.
At an elevation of 5,397 feet, Grand County receives approximately 22.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.
Grand County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Thyme
Thyme needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Thyme Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Grand County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Thyme Planting Timeline — Grand County, CO
Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 |
| Harvest | August 13 | Aug 13 – Oct 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
114 days in Grand County
Growing Tips for Grand County
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 Grand County, CO?
Grand County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 28. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grand County, CO?
Grand County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 28 and first fall frost is September 19.
When should I plant Thyme in Grand County, CO?
In Grand County, CO, plant Thyme after the last frost (around May 28) and before the first frost (around September 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Grand County, CO for Thyme?
Grand County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Thyme grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Thyme grow in Grand County's climate?
Yes — Thyme grows well in Grand County's temperate climate. Grand County averages a 114-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 28 and first frost around September 19.
Your Grand County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Grand County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.