FrostCal

When to Plant Thyme in Louisiana

In a typical Louisiana location, start seeds indoors Dec 24 – Jan 7, then transplant outdoors Feb 18 – Feb 25. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 24 in Metairie and as late as Mar 17 in Minden.

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
New OrleansDec 7 – Dec 21Feb 1 – Feb 8
Baton RougeJan 3 – Jan 17Feb 28 – Mar 7
ShreveportJan 3 – Jan 17Feb 28 – Mar 7
MetairieNov 29 – Dec 13Jan 24 – Jan 31
LafayetteDec 19 – Jan 2Feb 13 – Feb 20
Lake CharlesDec 20 – Jan 3Feb 14 – Feb 21
Bossier CityJan 3 – Jan 17Feb 28 – Mar 7
KennerDec 5 – Dec 19Jan 30 – Feb 6
MonroeJan 11 – Jan 25Mar 8 – Mar 15
AlexandriaJan 2 – Jan 16Feb 27 – Mar 6
HoumaDec 11 – Dec 25Feb 5 – Feb 12
MarreroNov 29 – Dec 13Jan 24 – Jan 31
New IberiaDec 16 – Dec 30Feb 10 – Feb 17
LaplaceDec 15 – Dec 29Feb 9 – Feb 16
CentralDec 31 – Jan 14Feb 25 – Mar 4
SlidellDec 30 – Jan 13Feb 24 – Mar 3
PrairievilleDec 15 – Dec 29Feb 9 – Feb 16
TerrytownDec 7 – Dec 21Feb 1 – Feb 8
RustonJan 14 – Jan 28Mar 11 – Mar 18
HammondJan 11 – Jan 25Mar 8 – Mar 15
HarveyDec 7 – Dec 21Feb 1 – Feb 8
SulphurJan 5 – Jan 19Mar 2 – Mar 9
Bayou CaneDec 11 – Dec 25Feb 5 – Feb 12
ShenandoahJan 3 – Jan 17Feb 28 – Mar 7
NatchitochesJan 3 – Jan 17Feb 28 – Mar 7
GretnaDec 7 – Dec 21Feb 1 – Feb 8
ChalmetteDec 16 – Dec 30Feb 10 – Feb 17
OpelousasJan 3 – Jan 17Feb 28 – Mar 7
ZacharyDec 31 – Jan 14Feb 25 – Mar 4
EstelleDec 16 – Dec 30Feb 10 – Feb 17

Showing the 30 most populous of 66 Louisiana cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Louisiana cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant thyme in Louisiana?

In a typical Louisiana location, start seeds indoors Dec 24 – Jan 7, then transplant outdoors Feb 18 – Feb 25. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 24 in Metairie and as late as Mar 17 in Minden.

When is the last frost in Louisiana?

The average last spring frost in Louisiana ranges from January 24 in Metairie to March 17 in Minden, 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 Louisiana

When to plant thyme in other states

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