When to plant thyme in zone 8b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 8B

Growing SeasonZone 8b

Last frost ~Mar 15First frost ~Nov 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCT

Start indoors Jan 18 · Transplant Mar 8 · First harvest May 7 · Wrap by Sep 24

Last spring frostMar 15

Start seeds indoorsJan 18

Transplant outMar 8

First harvestMay 7

Last harvestSep 24

First fall frostNov 15

Why these dates work in zone 8b

Zone 8b's last spring frost averages Mar 15 and first fall frost Nov 15 — about 245 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 8b?

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

Will thyme survive frost in zone 8b?

Yes — thyme tolerates light frost. In zone 8b you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around Mar 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 15).

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