When to Plant Thyme in Arkansas
Start Seeds Indoors
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Transplant outdoors: Sunday, March 29, 2026
State
Arkansas
USDA Zones
7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Avg Last Frost
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Cities Covered
602
Arkansas Planting Schedule by Zone
Arkansas spans 4 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Start Indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7a | Friday, April 10, 2026 | Friday, February 13, 2026 | Friday, April 24, 2026 |
| 7b | Sunday, April 5, 2026 | Sunday, February 8, 2026 | Sunday, April 19, 2026 |
| 8a | Friday, March 20, 2026 | Friday, January 23, 2026 | Friday, April 3, 2026 |
| 8b | Sunday, March 15, 2026 | Sunday, January 18, 2026 | Sunday, March 29, 2026 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
🌿 About Thyme
🤝 Companion Plants for Thyme
Good Companions
Growing Thyme in Arkansas: Complete Guide
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a warm-season crop that needs a head start indoors before Arkansas's last frost. Most Arkansas gardeners begin seeds indoors around Sunday, January 18, 2026 and move transplants outside around Sunday, March 29, 2026, after the risk of frost has passed.
Because Arkansas stretches across 4 USDA hardiness zones (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b), planting windows can shift by as much as two to four weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.
With 90 days to maturity, Thyme needs the indoor head start that Arkansas's growing season requires. Starting indoors ensures you have strong transplants ready the moment outdoor conditions are right.
Thyme requires full sun (6+ hours) and low (drought tolerant) moisture. Most of Arkansas receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.
For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Thyme in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, start Thyme seeds indoors around Sunday, January 18, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026 after your last frost. Arkansas spans zones 7a–8b, so dates shift by 1–4 weeks depending on where you live.
What is the last frost date in Arkansas?
Arkansas spans 4 USDA zones (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b), so last frost dates vary by region. Saint Francis, Warm Springs, Horseshoe Bend (7a) sees frost until around Friday, April 10, 2026, while Pine Bluff, White Hall, Arkansas City (8b) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Thyme take to grow in Arkansas?
Thyme takes about 90 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. Starting seeds indoors in Arkansas gives you a head start so plants are ready to go out after the last frost.
What USDA zones does Arkansas cover for Thyme?
Arkansas includes zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. Thyme grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.
Find Precise Dates for Your City
Select a city for exact planting dates based on local frost records.