When to plant thyme in zone 8a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 8A

Growing SeasonZone 8a

Last frost ~Mar 25First frost ~Nov 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Jan 28 · Transplant Mar 18 · First harvest May 17 · Wrap by Oct 4

Last spring frostMar 25

Start seeds indoorsJan 28

Transplant outMar 18

First harvestMay 17

Last harvestOct 4

First fall frostNov 10

Why these dates work in zone 8a

Zone 8a's last spring frost averages Mar 25 and first fall frost Nov 10 — about 230 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 8a?

Thyme matures in about 60–90 days from transplanting. In zone 8a that means setting plants out around Mar 18 and first picking around May 17.

Will thyme survive frost in zone 8a?

Yes — thyme tolerates light frost. In zone 8a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around Mar 25) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 10).

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