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When to Plant Thyme in Gilliam County, OR

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.

Gilliam County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.

At an elevation of 965 feet, Gilliam County receives approximately 22.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Thyme during the growing season.

Gilliam County, OR (Zone 6a) Moderate season
173 days
Last Spring Frost April 25
173 growing days
First Fall Frost October 15

Gilliam County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (33 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jul 1 – Sep 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (33 days to spare)
Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Sep 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (33 days to spare)
Transplant: May 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 29 – Sep 30

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
0.5″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 163 gal / 100 sq ft
Thyme needs ~1,100 GDD — county provides 2,378 GDD Excellent fit

Thyme Planting Timeline โ€” Gilliam County, OR

Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 โ€“ May 16
Harvest July 11 Jul 11 โ€“ Sep 12

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 6a

Growing Season

173 days

Growing Tips for Gilliam 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 Gilliam County, OR?

Gilliam County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Gilliam County, OR?

Gilliam County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 15.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Gilliam County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Gilliam County, OR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.