When to Plant Thyme in Delaware
In a typical Delaware location, start seeds indoors Feb 10 – Feb 24, then transplant outdoors Apr 7 – Apr 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 30 in Claymont and as late as Apr 19 in Hockessin.
Perennial herb, slow from seed; start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, transplant around/after last frost.
Thyme Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Dover | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Newark | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Middletown | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Bear | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Brookside | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Glasgow | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Hockessin | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Smyrna | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Pike Creek Valley | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Milford | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Claymont | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| North Star | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Pike Creek | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Wilmington Manor | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Seaford | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Georgetown | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Elsmere | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Edgemoor | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| New Castle | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Delaware cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Delaware cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant thyme in Delaware?
In a typical Delaware location, start seeds indoors Feb 10 – Feb 24, then transplant outdoors Apr 7 – Apr 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 30 in Claymont and as late as Apr 19 in Hockessin.
When is the last frost in Delaware?
The average last spring frost in Delaware ranges from March 30 in Claymont to April 19 in Hockessin, 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 Delaware
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant thyme in other states