Thyme Planting Guide — All Zones
Thymus vulgaris
Last updated: Apr 25, 2026Quick Facts
Sunlight
☀️ Full Sun
Water Needs
💧 Low
Spacing
12 inches apart
Planting Depth
0.125 inch
Min Soil Temp
60°F
Germination
14–21 days
Days to Maturity
75–90 days
Frost Tolerance
Moderate frost tolerance
Soil pH
6.0–8.0
Difficulty
Easy
Planting Schedule by Zone
Select your USDA zone below for a detailed guide with tips specific to your region.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest Start | Harvest End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 5 | Apr 16 | May 14 | May 14 | Aug 14 | Sep 28 |
| Zone 6 | Apr 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Jul 30 | Sep 13 |
| Zone 7 | Mar 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 19 | Jul 20 | Sep 3 |
| Zone 8 | Mar 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 3 | Jul 4 | Aug 18 |
| Zone 9 | Feb 14 | Mar 14 | Mar 14 | Jun 14 | Jul 29 |
| Zone 10 | Jan 27 | Feb 24 | Feb 24 | May 27 | Jul 11 |
Recommended for Your Zone
🌱 Thyme Seeds & Supplies
Find seeds, soil, and tools suited for growing thyme in your zone.
Shop on Amazon →Companion Planting
Companion planting improves growth, deters pests, and makes better use of garden space.
✓ Good Companions
📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.