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When to Plant Thyme in Saint Leo, Florida (33574)

Location

Saint Leo, Florida

ZIP Code

33574

USDA Zone

9b

Last Frost

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Transplant Outdoors

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Based on last frost Tuesday, February 10, 2026 · Zone 9b

Pro tip: Start Thyme seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Thymus vulgaris
Days to Maturity 90 days
Mature Height 6-12"
Spread 12"
Type Ground cover
Fruit Size N/A

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6+ hours)

💧

Water

Low (drought tolerant)

↔️

Spacing

12" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.125" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 14-21 days

Ready to Plant Thyme in Saint Leo?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

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🤝 Good Companions

CabbageEggplantPotatoStrawberry
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Thyme

See which plants help Thyme thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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Common Thyme Varieties

Popular cultivars to look for at your local nursery or seed supplier.

Common Thyme

species

Classic culinary thyme with small, fragrant leaves; essential in French cooking.

Lemon Thyme

cultivar

Bright citrus-scented thyme with golden-edged leaves; lovely in fish dishes and teas.

Creeping Thyme

species

Low-growing groundcover thyme with dense mats of tiny flowers; great between pavers.

French Thyme

cultivar

Broader-leaved variety with milder, sweeter flavor preferred in Provençal cooking.

🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Harvest tiny seed pods when brown and dry — just before they shatter.

Processing

Strip dried stems over a fine mesh, dry extra 2 days, store in small envelopes. Seeds are very tiny.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Thyme seeds can vary in flavor intensity. Propagate from stem cuttings to preserve culinary quality.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 32 plants of Thyme. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Thyme in Saint Leo, Florida? +

In Saint Leo (Zone 9b), start Thyme seeds indoors around Tuesday, December 16, 2025 and transplant outdoors around Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Saint Leo, Florida? +

The average last spring frost date for Saint Leo, Florida (ZIP 33574) is around Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 9b.

How long does Thyme take to grow? +

Thyme typically matures in about 90 days from transplanting. In Saint Leo, that means you can expect harvest around Tuesday, February 24, 2026 plus 90 days.

Should I start Thyme indoors or direct sow in Florida? +

Thyme should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Saint Leo, that means starting around Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

Other Plants for Saint Leo

Growing Thyme in Zone 9b

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a popular garden vegetable. In Saint Leo, Florida, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b, you should start seeds indoors around Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Plan to transplant your Thyme seedlings outdoors around Tuesday, February 24, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.