When to plant thyme in zone 6a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 6A

Growing SeasonZone 6a

Last frost ~Apr 30First frost ~Oct 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Mar 5 · Transplant Apr 23 · First harvest Jun 22 · Wrap by Oct 10

Last spring frostApr 30

Start seeds indoorsMar 5

Transplant outApr 23

First harvestJun 22

Last harvestOct 10

First fall frostOct 10

Why these dates work in zone 6a

Zone 6a's last spring frost averages Apr 30 and first fall frost Oct 10 — about 163 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 6a?

Thyme matures in about 60–90 days from transplanting. In zone 6a that means setting plants out around Apr 23 and first picking around Jun 22.

Will thyme survive frost in zone 6a?

Yes — thyme tolerates light frost. In zone 6a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around Apr 30) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 10).

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