When to Plant Thyme in Maine
In a typical Maine location, start seeds indoors Mar 7 – Mar 21, then transplant outdoors May 2 – May 9. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 25 in Lewiston and as late as May 16 in Sanford.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Lewiston | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Bangor | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | May 4 – May 11 |
| West Scarborough | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 26 – May 3 |
| South Portland | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 26 – May 3 |
| South Portland Gardens | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Auburn | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Biddeford | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 9 – May 16 |
| Sanford | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Saco | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 9 – May 16 |
| Augusta | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Westbrook | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Waterville | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Brunswick | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| York Beach | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 1 – May 8 |
| Wells Beach Station | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 9 – May 16 |
| Orono | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 1 – May 8 |
| Lisbon | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | May 15 – May 22 |
| North Bath | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Brewer | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | May 4 – May 11 |
| Presque Isle | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 14 – May 21 |
Showing the 21 most populous of 21 Maine cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Maine cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant thyme in Maine?
In a typical Maine location, start seeds indoors Mar 7 – Mar 21, then transplant outdoors May 2 – May 9. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 25 in Lewiston and as late as May 16 in Sanford.
When is the last frost in Maine?
The average last spring frost in Maine ranges from April 25 in Lewiston to May 16 in Sanford, 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 Maine
- 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