FrostCal

When to Plant Thyme in Alabama

In a typical Alabama location, start seeds indoors Jan 24 – Feb 7, then transplant outdoors Mar 21 – Mar 28. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 21 in Mobile and as late as Apr 6 in Jacksonville.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 85–95 days

Perennial herb, slow from seed; start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, transplant around/after last frost.

Thyme Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
HuntsvilleJan 27 – Feb 10Mar 24 – Mar 31
BirminghamJan 24 – Feb 7Mar 21 – Mar 28
MontgomeryJan 16 – Jan 30Mar 13 – Mar 20
MobileDec 27 – Jan 10Feb 21 – Feb 28
TuscaloosaJan 21 – Feb 4Mar 18 – Mar 25
HooverJan 22 – Feb 5Mar 19 – Mar 26
DothanJan 4 – Jan 18Mar 1 – Mar 8
AuburnJan 16 – Jan 30Mar 13 – Mar 20
DecaturJan 29 – Feb 12Mar 26 – Apr 2
MadisonJan 27 – Feb 10Mar 24 – Mar 31
FlorenceJan 30 – Feb 13Mar 27 – Apr 3
Phenix CityJan 8 – Jan 22Mar 5 – Mar 12
GadsdenJan 22 – Feb 5Mar 19 – Mar 26
East FlorenceJan 30 – Feb 13Mar 27 – Apr 3
PrattvilleJan 16 – Jan 30Mar 13 – Mar 20
Vestavia HillsJan 24 – Feb 7Mar 21 – Mar 28
AlabasterJan 22 – Feb 5Mar 19 – Mar 26
OpelikaFeb 1 – Feb 15Mar 29 – Apr 5
EnterpriseJan 12 – Jan 26Mar 9 – Mar 16
BessemerJan 26 – Feb 9Mar 23 – Mar 30
HomewoodJan 24 – Feb 7Mar 21 – Mar 28
AthensJan 23 – Feb 6Mar 20 – Mar 27
DaphneJan 18 – Feb 1Mar 15 – Mar 22
NorthportJan 21 – Feb 4Mar 18 – Mar 25
DixianaFeb 7 – Feb 21Apr 4 – Apr 11
PelhamJan 22 – Feb 5Mar 19 – Mar 26
PrichardDec 27 – Jan 10Feb 21 – Feb 28
AnnistonJan 26 – Feb 9Mar 23 – Mar 30
AlbertvilleJan 20 – Feb 3Mar 17 – Mar 24
OxfordJan 26 – Feb 9Mar 23 – Mar 30

Showing the 30 most populous of 72 Alabama cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Alabama cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant thyme in Alabama?

In a typical Alabama location, start seeds indoors Jan 24 – Feb 7, then transplant outdoors Mar 21 – Mar 28. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 21 in Mobile and as late as Apr 6 in Jacksonville.

When is the last frost in Alabama?

The average last spring frost in Alabama ranges from February 21 in Mobile to April 6 in Jacksonville, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do thyme take to grow?

Thyme typically take 85–95 days from planting to harvest. Perennial herb, slow from seed; start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, transplant around/after last frost.

Other Crops in Alabama

When to plant thyme in other states

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