Lawn Guardian

When to Plant Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

herbZones 4–9beginner

Woody perennial herb with tiny aromatic leaves. Essential in Mediterranean, French, and Middle Eastern cooking. Drought-tolerant ground cover that attracts pollinators.

Planting calendar

Start seeds indoors

8 weeks before your last spring frost.

Direct sow / transplant

Right around your last spring frost.

Slow to start from seed; easier from nursery transplants or divisions; perennial in zones 5-9

Spacing & harvest

Companion planting

Plant near

Get thyme planting dates for your exact zone

Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.

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Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns