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When to Plant Thyme in Cowley County, KS

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.

Cowley County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.

At an elevation of 708 feet, Cowley County receives approximately 31.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Thyme during the growing season.

Cowley County, KS (Zone 6b) Moderate season
197 days
Last Spring Frost April 11
197 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Cowley County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (59 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 10 🍅 Harvest: Jun 19 – Aug 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (57 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 18 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Aug 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (61 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jul 9 – Sep 10

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
0.7″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Thyme needs ~1,220 GDD — county provides 3,004 GDD Excellent fit

Thyme Planting Timeline โ€” Cowley County, KS

Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 โ€“ May 2
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 โ€“ Aug 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
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 6b

Growing Season

197 days

Growing Tips for Cowley 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 Cowley County, KS?

Cowley County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cowley County, KS?

Cowley County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 25.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cowley County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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