FrostCal

When to Plant Thyme in Michigan

In a typical Michigan location, start seeds indoors Mar 5 – Mar 19, then transplant outdoors Apr 30 – May 7. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 19 in Port Huron and as late as May 19 in Cadillac.

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
DetroitFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 21 – Apr 28
Grand RapidsMar 11 – Mar 25May 6 – May 13
WarrenFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 21 – Apr 28
Sterling HeightsMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
Ann ArborMar 10 – Mar 24May 5 – May 12
LansingMar 6 – Mar 20May 1 – May 8
Clinton TownshipMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
FlintMar 11 – Mar 25May 6 – May 13
DearbornMar 2 – Mar 16Apr 27 – May 4
LivoniaMar 6 – Mar 20May 1 – May 8
CantonFeb 27 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 1
TroyMar 1 – Mar 15Apr 26 – May 3
WestlandFeb 23 – Mar 9Apr 20 – Apr 27
Farmington HillsMar 6 – Mar 20May 1 – May 8
KalamazooMar 3 – Mar 17Apr 28 – May 5
WaterfordMar 4 – Mar 18Apr 29 – May 6
WyomingMar 11 – Mar 25May 6 – May 13
ShelbyMar 1 – Mar 15Apr 26 – May 3
Rochester HillsMar 1 – Mar 15Apr 26 – May 3
SouthfieldMar 6 – Mar 20May 1 – May 8
West Bloomfield TownshipMar 4 – Mar 18Apr 29 – May 6
TaylorFeb 23 – Mar 9Apr 20 – Apr 27
PontiacMar 1 – Mar 15Apr 26 – May 3
Saint Clair ShoresMar 4 – Mar 18Apr 29 – May 6
Royal OakFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 21 – Apr 28
NoviMar 6 – Mar 20May 1 – May 8
Dearborn HeightsMar 6 – Mar 20May 1 – May 8
Battle CreekMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
KentwoodMar 11 – Mar 25May 6 – May 13
RedfordMar 6 – Mar 20May 1 – May 8

Showing the 30 most populous of 120 Michigan cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Michigan cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant thyme in Michigan?

In a typical Michigan location, start seeds indoors Mar 5 – Mar 19, then transplant outdoors Apr 30 – May 7. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 19 in Port Huron and as late as May 19 in Cadillac.

When is the last frost in Michigan?

The average last spring frost in Michigan ranges from April 19 in Port Huron to May 19 in Cadillac, 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 Michigan

When to plant thyme in other states

Related Guides