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Thyme Growing Guide
Lamiaceae family
Companion Planting
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Establishing
- Mature / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Mar 30 | May 18 | — | Jul 17 |
| Zone 1b | Mar 30 | May 18 | — | Jul 17 |
| Zone 2a | Mar 20 | May 8 | — | Jul 7 |
| Zone 2b | Mar 30 | May 18 | — | Jul 17 |
| Zone 3a | Mar 27 | May 15 | — | Jul 14 |
| Zone 3b | Mar 20 | May 8 | — | Jul 7 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 10 | Apr 28 | — | Jun 27 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 6 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 23 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 3 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 20 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 3 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 20 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 3 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 20 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 18 | Apr 8 | — | Jun 7 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 18 | Apr 8 | — | Jun 7 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 13 | Apr 3 | — | Jun 2 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 8 | Mar 29 | — | May 28 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 25 | Mar 15 | — | May 14 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 23 | Mar 13 | — | May 12 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 13 | Mar 3 | — | May 2 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 26 | Feb 13 | — | Apr 14 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 3 | Jan 21 | — | Mar 22 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 3 | Jan 21 | — | Mar 22 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | — | Mar 9 |
| Zone 12a | Nov 6 | Dec 25 | — | Feb 23 |
| Zone 12b | Nov 6 | Dec 25 | — | Feb 23 |
| Zone 13a | Nov 6 | Dec 25 | — | Feb 23 |
| Zone 13b | Nov 6 | Dec 25 | — | Feb 23 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Thyme?
Thyme takes approximately 80 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Thyme need?
Thyme requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Thyme?
Plant Thyme at 4/sqft (6" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Thyme survive frost?
Thyme is tolerant of moderate frost.
What are good companion plants for Thyme?
Good companion plants for Thyme include Cabbage, Eggplant, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Potatoes.
How long does Thyme take to germinate?
Thyme seeds germinate in 14-21 days at an optimal temperature of 70°F.
When should I start Thyme seeds indoors?
Start Thyme seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant -1 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Needs well-drained soil and full sun; hates wet feet
- Many varieties available: English, French, lemon, creeping
- Prune after flowering to keep plants compact and productive
Common Pests & Diseases
- Generally pest-free
- Root rot in wet soil
- Occasional spider mites
Harvest Notes
Snip sprigs any time from established plants. Strip leaves from woody stems. Dries exceptionally well; retains strong flavor.
Plan Your Thyme Garden
Track Thyme from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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