When to plant thyme in zone 9a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9A

Growing SeasonZone 9a

Last frost ~Feb 28First frost ~Nov 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

DECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEP

Start indoors Jan 3 · Transplant Feb 21 · First harvest Apr 22 · Wrap by Sep 9

Last spring frostFeb 28

Start seeds indoorsJan 3

Transplant outFeb 21

First harvestApr 22

Last harvestSep 9

First fall frostNov 30

Why these dates work in zone 9a

Zone 9a's last spring frost averages Feb 28 and first fall frost Nov 30 — about 275 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 9a?

Thyme matures in about 60–90 days from transplanting. In zone 9a that means setting plants out around Feb 21 and first picking around Apr 22.

Will thyme survive frost in zone 9a?

Yes — thyme tolerates light frost. In zone 9a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around Feb 28) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 30).

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