When to Plant Thyme in Minnesota

In a typical Minnesota 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 21 in Winona and as late as Jun 5 in Hibbing.

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
MinneapolisFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 23 – Apr 30
Saint PaulFeb 27 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 1
RochesterMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
BloomingtonFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 23 – Apr 30
DuluthMar 19 – Apr 2May 14 – May 21
Brooklyn ParkMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
PlymouthMar 4 – Mar 18Apr 29 – May 6
Maple GroveMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
WoodburyMar 1 – Mar 15Apr 26 – May 3
EaganFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 23 – Apr 30
Saint CloudMar 12 – Mar 26May 7 – May 14
Eden PrairieFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 23 – Apr 30
West Coon RapidsMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
Coon RapidsMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
BlaineMar 10 – Mar 24May 5 – May 12
BurnsvilleFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 23 – Apr 30
LakevilleMar 2 – Mar 16Apr 27 – May 4
MinnetonkaMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
Apple ValleyMar 2 – Mar 16Apr 27 – May 4
EdinaFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 23 – Apr 30
Minnetonka MillsMar 4 – Mar 18Apr 29 – May 6
Saint Louis ParkMar 4 – Mar 18Apr 29 – May 6
MoorheadMar 10 – Mar 24May 5 – May 12
MankatoMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
MaplewoodMar 1 – Mar 15Apr 26 – May 3
ShakopeeFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 23 – Apr 30
RichfieldFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 23 – Apr 30
Cottage GroveFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 23 – Apr 30
RosevilleMar 3 – Mar 17Apr 28 – May 5
Inver Grove HeightsFeb 27 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 1

Showing the 30 most populous of 104 Minnesota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Minnesota cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant thyme in Minnesota?

In a typical Minnesota 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 21 in Winona and as late as Jun 5 in Hibbing.

When is the last frost in Minnesota?

The average last spring frost in Minnesota ranges from April 21 in Winona to June 5 in Hibbing, 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 Minnesota

When to plant thyme in other states

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