Herbs

How to Grow Thyme: Planting, Care & Harvest

Quick answer

Transplant after frost danger has passed (UMN). Optional seed start indoors about 6–8 weeks before transplant; NC State notes seed can be difficult — prefer cuttings or division. Full sun and excellent drainage; wet cold soil often kills Mediterranean herbs over winter (UMD). Do not spray insecticides on herbs (UMD).

Thyme at a glance

PlantStart indoors: 8–6 wk before last frost; Transplant: last frost
SunFull sun; dry sandy or rocky soils OK; frost- and drought-tolerant once established; intolerant of wet soils (NC State).
SpacingNC State: mound about 6–12 inches high; width to about 16 inches; available space about 12 inches–3 feet.
Days to harvestPerennial
-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1LF+1+2+3
■ Start indoors   ■ Plant out   ■ Harvest
Weeks relative to last frost (LF). Colored weeks show when our ZIP planner schedules each step.
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Updated

Thyme in bloom
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Photo: Naturpuur, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 (resized).

Sourced from university extension guides. For dates where you live, use the ZIP planting planner.

Planting timing

UMN growing herbs: transplant outdoors after frost danger; soil consistently at least about 50°F; start seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting. (UMN herbs) Planner: Transplant last frost 0; optional Start indoors last frost −8 to −6. Prefer cuttings or division — NC State notes seed can be difficult. Start indoors about 6–8 weeks before last frost when starting from seed.

Size and spacing

NC State: mound about 6–12 inches high; width to about 16 inches; available space about 12 inches–3 feet. Full sun; good drainage; neutral to alkaline. (NC State thyme)

Sun, soil and water

Full sun; dry sandy or rocky soils OK; frost- and drought-tolerant once established; intolerant of wet soils (NC State). UMD: Mediterranean herbs (thyme with rosemary and lavender) often die over winter in excessively wet cold soil. (UMD herb problems)

Care and harvest

Trim when leggy; cut back in early spring or summer; leave at least about 5 inches of growth (NC State). Fertilize lightly if needed — we omit printed rates. UMD: do not spray insecticides on herbs. Harvest culinary leaves; leave woody stems.

Pests and diseases

NC State: “No significant problems.” Focus on drainage and air flow. Prefer cultural care; do not spray insecticides on culinary herbs (UMD).

Related: ZIP planner · rosemary · mint · organic pest control · culinary sage

Frequently asked questions

When do I plant thyme outside?

After frost. Optional seed start last frost −8 to −6 (UMN 6–8 weeks before transplant).

Why did my thyme die in winter?

Often wet cold soil (UMD), not only cold air.

Can I spray for pests?

UMD: do not spray insecticides on herbs.

Sources