When to Plant Thyme in Steward, Illinois (60553)
Location
Steward, Illinois
ZIP Code
60553
USDA Zone
5b
Last Frost
Saturday, April 25, 2026
📅 Planting Calendar
Start Seeds Indoors Saturday, February 28, 2026
Transplant Outdoors Saturday, May 9, 2026
Pro Tip: Start Thyme seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date for best results.
🌿 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
🤝 Good Companions
CabbageEggplantPotatoStrawberry
Other Plants for Steward
Blackberry Blueberry Raspberry Strawberry Basil Chamomile Chives Cilantro Dill Lavender Lemon Balm Marjoram Mint Oregano Parsley Rosemary Sage Tarragon Acorn Squash Artichoke Arugula Asparagus Beefsteak Tomato Beet Bell Pepper Bok Choy Broccoli Brussel Sprout Butternut Squash Cabbage Cantaloupe Carrot Cauliflower Cayenne Pepper Celery Cherry Tomato Chili Pepper Collard Green Common Bean Cucumber Eggplant Endive Fennel Garlic Grape Tomato Green Bean Habanero Pepper Head Lettuce Heirloom Tomato Honeydew Melon Jalapeño Pepper Kale Kohlrabi Leaf Lettuce Leek Lima Bean Mustard Okra Onion Parsnip Pea Poblano Pepper Pole Pea Potato Pumpkin Radicchio Radish Rhubarb Roma Tomato Rutabaga Serrano Pepper Shallot Snap Pea Snow Pea Spaghetti Squash Spinach Squash Sweet Corn Sweet Potato Swiss Chard Tomato Turnip Watermelon Zucchini
Growing Thyme in Zone 5b
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a popular garden vegetable. In Steward, Illinois, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should start seeds indoors around Saturday, February 28, 2026.
Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Plan to transplant your Thyme seedlings outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.