FrostCal

When to Plant Thyme in Arizona

In a typical Arizona location, start seeds indoors Dec 19 – Jan 2, then transplant outdoors Feb 13 – Feb 20. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 4 in Bullhead City and as late as Jun 4 in Flagstaff. 3 cities in Arizona are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

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
PhoenixNov 10 – Nov 24Jan 5 – Jan 12
TucsonNov 25 – Dec 9Jan 20 – Jan 27
MesaDec 19 – Jan 2Feb 13 – Feb 20
ChandlerDec 19 – Jan 2Feb 13 – Feb 20
GilbertDec 19 – Jan 2Feb 13 – Feb 20
GlendaleNov 25 – Dec 9Jan 20 – Jan 27
ScottsdaleDec 19 – Jan 2Feb 13 – Feb 20
PeoriaNov 25 – Dec 9Jan 20 – Jan 27
TempeDec 19 – Jan 2Feb 13 – Feb 20
Tempe JunctionDec 19 – Jan 2Feb 13 – Feb 20
SurpriseNov 25 – Dec 9Jan 20 – Jan 27
YumaNov 13 – Nov 27Jan 8 – Jan 15
San Tan ValleyDec 7 – Dec 21Feb 1 – Feb 8
AvondaleNov 12 – Nov 26Jan 7 – Jan 14
GoodyearNov 12 – Nov 26Jan 7 – Jan 14
FlagstaffApr 9 – Apr 23Jun 4 – Jun 11
Casas AdobesJan 1 – Jan 15Feb 26 – Mar 5
Lake Havasu CityNov 10 – Nov 24Jan 5 – Jan 12
Casa GrandeDec 11 – Dec 25Feb 5 – Feb 12
BuckeyeNov 12 – Nov 26Jan 7 – Jan 14
Catalina FoothillsDec 26 – Jan 9Feb 20 – Feb 27
MaricopaDec 29 – Jan 12Feb 23 – Mar 2
Oro ValleyFeb 5 – Feb 19Apr 2 – Apr 9
Sierra VistaFeb 8 – Feb 22Apr 5 – Apr 12
Prescott ValleyFeb 23 – Mar 9Apr 20 – Apr 27
PrescottMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
MaranaDec 29 – Jan 12Feb 23 – Mar 2
Bullhead CityNov 9 – Nov 23Jan 4 – Jan 11
Apache JunctionDec 17 – Dec 31Feb 11 – Feb 18
Sun CityNov 25 – Dec 9Jan 20 – Jan 27

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant thyme in Arizona?

In a typical Arizona location, start seeds indoors Dec 19 – Jan 2, then transplant outdoors Feb 13 – Feb 20. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 4 in Bullhead City and as late as Jun 4 in Flagstaff. 3 cities in Arizona are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in Arizona?

The average last spring frost in Arizona ranges from January 4 in Bullhead City to June 4 in Flagstaff, 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 Arizona

When to plant thyme in other states

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