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When to Plant Thyme in Runnels County, TX

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.

Runnels County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 241 days.

At an elevation of 4,833 feet, Runnels County receives approximately 47.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Thyme during the growing season.

Runnels County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
241 days
Last Spring Frost March 19
241 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Runnels County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (105 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 16 🍅 Harvest: May 25 – Jul 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (101 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 26 🍅 Harvest: Jun 4 – Aug 6
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (93 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Jun 28 – Aug 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
0.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Thyme needs ~1,400 GDD — county provides 4,217 GDD Excellent fit

Thyme Planting Timeline โ€” Runnels County, TX

Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 26 Mar 26 โ€“ Apr 9
Harvest June 4 Jun 4 โ€“ Aug 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
May โ€”
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 7b

Growing Season

241 days

Growing Tips for Runnels 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 Runnels County, TX?

Runnels County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Runnels County, TX?

Runnels County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 15.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Runnels County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Runnels County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.