When to Plant Thyme in Alaska

In a typical Alaska location, start seeds indoors Mar 21 – Apr 4, then transplant outdoors May 16 – May 23. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 4 in Ketchikan and as late as Jun 11 in Kalifornsky.

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
AnchorageMar 6 – Mar 20May 1 – May 8
FairbanksMar 21 – Apr 4May 16 – May 23
JuneauFeb 23 – Mar 9Apr 20 – Apr 27
Eagle RiverMar 14 – Mar 28May 9 – May 16
BadgerMar 27 – Apr 10May 22 – May 29
Knik-FairviewMar 23 – Apr 6May 18 – May 25
CollegeMar 23 – Apr 6May 18 – May 25
WasillaMar 21 – Apr 4May 16 – May 23
SitkaMar 8 – Mar 22May 3 – May 10
LakesMar 21 – Apr 4May 16 – May 23
KetchikanFeb 7 – Feb 21Apr 4 – Apr 11
TanainaMar 21 – Apr 4May 16 – May 23
KalifornskyApr 16 – Apr 30Jun 11 – Jun 18
KenaiMar 29 – Apr 12May 24 – May 31
Meadow LakesMar 21 – Apr 4May 16 – May 23
PalmerMar 11 – Mar 25May 6 – May 13
Elmendorf Air Force BaseMar 14 – Mar 28May 9 – May 16
BethelMar 26 – Apr 9May 21 – May 28
KodiakMar 4 – Mar 18Apr 29 – May 6
SterlingMar 25 – Apr 8May 20 – May 27

Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Alaska cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Alaska cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant thyme in Alaska?

In a typical Alaska location, start seeds indoors Mar 21 – Apr 4, then transplant outdoors May 16 – May 23. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 4 in Ketchikan and as late as Jun 11 in Kalifornsky.

When is the last frost in Alaska?

The average last spring frost in Alaska ranges from April 4 in Ketchikan to June 11 in Kalifornsky, 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 Alaska

When to plant thyme in other states

Related Guides