Quick Facts
🌡️ Season
Warm-Season
☀️ Sun Needs
Full Sun (6+ hrs)
💧 Water
Low
📐 Spacing
12 inches apart
🕳️ Planting Depth
surface sow, press lightly
📅 Days to Harvest
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
6–8
🌡️ Min Soil Temp
55°F
🏠 Start Indoors
8 weeks before last frost
🌱 Direct Sow
No — transplant only
🔥 Heat Tolerance
High
❄️ Cold Tolerance
Moderate
When to Plant Thyme by Zone
Planting dates vary by USDA hardiness zone. Find your zone at the Smart Planner.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zones 3–4 (Cold) | Feb, Mar | — | May | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Zones 5–6 (Cool) | Feb, Mar | — | Apr, May | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Zones 7–8 (Moderate) | Jan, Feb | — | Mar, Apr | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec |
| Zones 9–10 (Warm) | — | — | Feb, Mar | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec |
| Zones 11–13 (Tropical) | — | — | Jan, Feb | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec |
Recommended Varieties
English Thyme
Best culinary variety, classic flavor🔥 Heat Tolerant
Lemon Thyme
Citrus-scented, great with fish🔥 Heat Tolerant
🌿 Companion Planting
Plant With
🥬 cabbage🍅 tomato🍆 eggplant🌱 strawberry
🗺️ Growing Zones
12345678910111213
Highlighted zones are suitable for growing thyme.
🛒 Shop Thyme Seeds
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