When to plant thyme in zone 7a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 7A

Growing SeasonZone 7a

Last frost ~Apr 15First frost ~Oct 25Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Feb 18 · Transplant Apr 8 · First harvest Jun 7 · Wrap by Oct 25

Last spring frostApr 15

Start seeds indoorsFeb 18

Transplant outApr 8

First harvestJun 7

Last harvestOct 25

First fall frostOct 25

Why these dates work in zone 7a

Zone 7a's last spring frost averages Apr 15 and first fall frost Oct 25 — about 193 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 7a?

Thyme matures in about 60–90 days from transplanting. In zone 7a that means setting plants out around Apr 8 and first picking around Jun 7.

Will thyme survive frost in zone 7a?

Yes — thyme tolerates light frost. In zone 7a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around Apr 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 25).

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