When to Plant and Harvest Thyme
Low-growing perennial herb with tiny fragrant leaves, excellent for Mediterranean cooking
Winter survival: Will it survive winter? Usually yes outdoors in typical perennial-herb zones with light mulch and good drainage. Open the zone guide for the full table, and set your zone in the live app for a zone-specific line.
Pets: Non-toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA). ASPCA entry. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Best Time and Place to Plant Thyme
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Thyme in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 90F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | Spring only |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | Spring only |
| Zone 6 | April 10 to May 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 8 | March 20 to May 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 9 | March 10 to May 1 | August 1 to September 15 |
| Zone 10 | February 15 to April 15 | August 15 to October 1 |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | September 1 to November 1 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 12 inches apart, 18 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 60F to 90F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Water every 7-10 days; prefers dry conditions; avoid overwatering
- Days to harvest: 70
Fertilization
- Balanced 10-10-10 synthetic: Very light feeding once in spring
- Compost organic: Light 0.5 inch dressing in spring
Companion Plants
- Brassicas
- Eggplant
- Potatoes
- Strawberries
Avoid Planting Near
No avoid-planting conflicts are listed yet.
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Harvest young stem tips (2-3 inches) before flowering
- Most aromatic just before flowers open
- Cut back to 2/3 of plant height, never into woody stems
- Harvest anytime during growing season
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Thyme?
Thyme planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Thyme?
The best time of year to plant Thyme is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 60F to 90F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Thyme?
Plant Thyme in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 90F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Thyme?
Plant Thyme about 12 inches apart, with rows around 18 inches apart.
What grows well with Thyme?
Thyme is commonly paired with Brassicas, Eggplant, Potatoes, Strawberries.
How long does Thyme take to grow?
Thyme is typically ready to harvest in about 70 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Thyme?
Harvest Thyme when harvest young stem tips (2-3 inches) before flowering. Most aromatic just before flowers open Cut back to 2/3 of plant height, never into woody stems