When to plant thyme in zone 5a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 5A

Growing SeasonZone 5a

Last frost ~May 10First frost ~Oct 1Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCT

Start indoors Mar 15 · Transplant May 3 · First harvest Jul 2 · Wrap by Oct 1

Last spring frostMay 10

Start seeds indoorsMar 15

Transplant outMay 3

First harvestJul 2

Last harvestOct 1

First fall frostOct 1

Why these dates work in zone 5a

Zone 5a's last spring frost averages May 10 and first fall frost Oct 1 — about 144 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 5a?

Thyme matures in about 60–90 days from transplanting. In zone 5a that means setting plants out around May 3 and first picking around Jul 2.

Will thyme survive frost in zone 5a?

Yes — thyme tolerates light frost. In zone 5a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around May 10) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 1).

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