Thyme Planting Guide
thyme this May — what to know
Everything below applies to thyme broadly. For a plan that's dialled into your county's frost dates and soil, tap your location.
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How to water thyme
Mulch heavily around thyme to hold soil moisture without watering more often.
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Where to put thyme
South-facing beds are ideal for thyme. Shade from nearby trees or fences costs real production.
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Check your local forecast before planting
Your zone determines the exact week to plant thyme. Pick your county below and we'll line everything up against your frost dates.
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.
Thymus vulgaris · Herb · Lamiaceae family · 70–90 days to maturity
Get Your Personalized Thyme Planting Dates
Enter your ZIP code to see exact planting dates, soil compatibility, and growing tips specific to your county.
Where Can You Grow Thyme?
Thyme Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Thyme planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 4a | — | — | May 13 | Jul 22 – Sep 23 |
| Zone 4b | — | — | May 8 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 |
| Zone 5a | — | — | May 2 | Jul 11 – Sep 12 |
| Zone 5b | — | — | Apr 25 | Jul 4 – Sep 5 |
| Zone 6a | — | — | Apr 17 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 |
| Zone 6b | — | — | Apr 10 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 |
| Zone 7a | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Mar 25 | Jun 3 – Aug 5 |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Mar 15 | May 24 – Jul 26 |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Mar 4 | May 13 – Jul 15 |
| Zone 9a | — | — | Feb 17 | Apr 28 – Jun 30 |
| Zone 9b | — | — | Feb 1 | Apr 12 – Jun 14 |
Why are some columns showing "—"?
Start Indoors shows "—" because Thyme is typically direct sown outdoors rather than started indoors. It germinates quickly and doesn't transplant well.
Direct Sow shows "—" because Thyme benefits from being started indoors first, then transplanted after the last frost.
How to Plant Thyme
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.3"/week
Drought tolerant — water only when soil is dry 2" deep.
🧪 Soil pH
6 – 8
Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil — ideal for most garden beds.
🗺️ Hardiness Zones
Zone 4a – 9b
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
Medium-season crop. Start early for best results in shorter seasons.
👪 Plant Family
Lamiaceae
Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Lamiaceae family crops grew last year.
Succession Planting Thyme
Thyme matures in just 70–90 days, making it ideal for succession planting. In a typical 180-day growing season, you can get up to 2 successive plantings by sowing every 8 weeks.
Your actual succession count depends on your local frost dates. Enter your ZIP code to get personalized succession planting dates for your area.
Companion Planting for Thyme
✅ Good Companions
Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Growing Tips for Thyme
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.
💧 Watering: Thyme needs approximately 0.3 inches of water per week during active growth. Adjust based on your local rainfall — check your county page for a monthly watering guide specific to your area.
Saving Thyme Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Thyme by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Thyme?
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) takes 70 to 90 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Thyme grow in?
Thyme can be grown in USDA zones 4a through 9b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Thyme need?
Growing Thyme requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Low — drought tolerant, and soil pH of 6 to 8.