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When to Plant Thyme in Blackford County, IN

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.

Blackford County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.

At an elevation of 729 feet, Blackford County receives approximately 32.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Thyme during the growing season.

Blackford County, IN (Zone 5b) Moderate season
173 days
Last Spring Frost April 26
173 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Blackford County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (29 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jul 8 – Sep 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (33 days to spare)
Transplant: May 3 🍅 Harvest: Jul 12 – Sep 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (27 days to spare)
Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 28 – Sep 29

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Thyme needs ~1,220 GDD — county provides 2,638 GDD Excellent fit

Thyme Planting Timeline โ€” Blackford County, IN

Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 3 May 3 โ€“ May 17
Harvest July 12 Jul 12 โ€“ Sep 13

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

70โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 8

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

173 days

Growing Tips for Blackford 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Thyme in Blackford County, IN?

Blackford County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Blackford County, IN?

Blackford County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 16.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Blackford County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Blackford County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.