When to plant thyme in zone 9b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9B

Growing SeasonZone 9b

Last frost ~Feb 15First frost ~Dec 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

DECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEP

Start indoors Dec 21 · Transplant Feb 8 · First harvest Apr 9 · Wrap by Aug 27

Last spring frostFeb 15

Start seeds indoorsDec 21

Transplant outFeb 8

First harvestApr 9

Last harvestAug 27

First fall frostDec 10

Why these dates work in zone 9b

Zone 9b's last spring frost averages Feb 15 and first fall frost Dec 10 — about 298 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 9b?

Thyme matures in about 60–90 days from transplanting. In zone 9b that means setting plants out around Feb 8 and first picking around Apr 9.

Will thyme survive frost in zone 9b?

Yes — thyme tolerates light frost. In zone 9b you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around Feb 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Dec 10).

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