When to plant thyme in zone 10a — planting calendar

Not your zone?

Showing USDA Zone 10A

Growing SeasonZone 10a

Last frost ~Jan 31First frost ~Dec 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

NOVDECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUG

Start indoors Dec 6 · Transplant Jan 24 · First harvest Mar 25 · Wrap by Aug 12

Last spring frostJan 31

Start seeds indoorsDec 6

Transplant outJan 24

First harvestMar 25

Last harvestAug 12

First fall frostDec 15

Why these dates work in zone 10a

Zone 10a's last spring frost averages Jan 31 and first fall frost Dec 15 — about 318 frost-free days. Thyme tolerates light frost, so you can set plants out ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 8 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.

Common questions

How long does thyme take to grow in zone 10a?

Thyme matures in about 60–90 days from transplanting. In zone 10a that means setting plants out around Jan 24 and first picking around Mar 25.

Will thyme survive frost in zone 10a?

Yes — thyme tolerates light frost. In zone 10a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around Jan 31) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Dec 15).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full thyme growing guide →