When to Plant Thyme
A low-growing, fragrant herb that doubles as groundcover. Thyme is perennial, drought-tolerant, and essential in the kitchen.
The Short Answer
How to Grow Thyme
Thyme is the anchor herb of the kitchen garden — essential to French, Italian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cooking. Unlike basil, which demands attention, thyme is a set-it-and-forget-it perennial that improves with neglect. Creeping thyme makes an excellent ground cover for pathways (it releases fragrance when stepped on). English thyme has the most versatile culinary flavor; lemon thyme adds citrus notes; woolly thyme is purely ornamental. All thyme species demand sharp drainage — raised beds or gravel-amended soil in heavy clay areas.
Starting Seeds Indoors
Begin thyme seeds indoors 8 weeks before your average last frost date. Seeds need soil temperatures of at least 60°F to germinate, which typically takes 14-21 days. Provide 12 hours of light per day using a south-facing window or grow lights.
Transplanting
Move seedlings outside 0 weeks after your last frost date, once soil temperatures reach 60°F. Harden off seedlings for 7 days before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
Direct Sowing
Thyme can be direct sown 0 weeks after your last frost date. Plant seeds 0.125" deep, spaced 12" apart.
Growing Tips
Buy transplants for faster results. Prune regularly to prevent woodiness. Well-drained soil is essential — thyme hates wet feet.
Companion Planting
Good companions:
Thyme Planting Dates by State
Click your state for thyme planting dates specific to your location:
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026