How to Grow Thyme
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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need
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🌿 Plant Overview
☀️ Growing Requirements
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Sun
Full Sun (6+ hours)
💧
Water
Low (drought tolerant)
↔️
Spacing
12" apart
🌱
Depth
0.125" deep
📏
Height
6-12"
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Germination
14-21 days
Ready to Grow Thyme?
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🤝 Good Companions
Full Companion Planting Guide for Thyme
See which plants help Thyme thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →
Common Thyme Varieties
Popular cultivars to look for at your local nursery or seed supplier.
Common Thyme
Classic culinary thyme with small, fragrant leaves; essential in French cooking.
Lemon Thyme
Bright citrus-scented thyme with golden-edged leaves; lovely in fish dishes and teas.
Creeping Thyme
Low-growing groundcover thyme with dense mats of tiny flowers; great between pavers.
French Thyme
Broader-leaved variety with milder, sweeter flavor preferred in Provençal cooking.
Days-to-maturity figures are approximate and vary by climate and growing conditions.
🌾 Seed Saving Guide
🟡 ModerateWhen 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.
Seed Storage Supplies
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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 →
Thyme Planting Calendar by Zone
Thyme Planting Calendar by State
Other Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Thyme? +
Start Thyme seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.
How long does Thyme take to grow? +
Thyme typically matures in about 90 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Thyme indoors or direct sow? +
Thyme should be started indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.
How much sun does Thyme need? +
Thyme requires full sun (6+ hours) to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Thyme? +
Space Thyme plants 12 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Thyme need? +
Thyme has low (drought tolerant) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Thyme? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Thyme is rated moderate. Harvest tiny seed pods when brown and dry — just before they shatter. Strip dried stems over a fine mesh, dry extra 2 days, store in small envelopes. Seeds are very tiny.
How long do Thyme seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Thyme seeds remain viable for up to 3 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Thyme seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Thyme is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Thyme
Low-growing perennial herb. Many varieties available; common thyme best for cooking.
Expect your Thyme to be ready for harvest in approximately 90 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.