FrostCal

When to Plant Thyme in New Hampshire

In a typical New Hampshire location, start seeds indoors Mar 8 – Mar 22, then transplant outdoors May 3 – May 10. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 21 in Salem and as late as May 14 in Berlin.

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
ManchesterMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
NashuaMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
ConcordMar 13 – Mar 27May 8 – May 15
East ConcordMar 13 – Mar 27May 8 – May 15
Derry VillageMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
DoverMar 8 – Mar 22May 3 – May 10
RochesterMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
SalemFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 21 – Apr 28
MerrimackMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
KeeneMar 19 – Apr 2May 14 – May 21
DerryMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
PortsmouthMar 9 – Mar 23May 4 – May 11
BedfordFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 21 – Apr 28
LaconiaMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
LebanonMar 14 – Mar 28May 9 – May 16
WindhamMar 8 – Mar 22May 3 – May 10
ClaremontMar 19 – Apr 2May 14 – May 21
PelhamMar 8 – Mar 22May 3 – May 10
SomersworthMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
LondonderryFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 21 – Apr 28
DurhamMar 13 – Mar 27May 8 – May 15
HamptonMar 9 – Mar 23May 4 – May 11
BerlinMar 19 – Apr 2May 14 – May 21
ExeterMar 9 – Mar 23May 4 – May 11

Showing the 24 most populous of 24 New Hampshire cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all New Hampshire cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant thyme in New Hampshire?

In a typical New Hampshire location, start seeds indoors Mar 8 – Mar 22, then transplant outdoors May 3 – May 10. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 21 in Salem and as late as May 14 in Berlin.

When is the last frost in New Hampshire?

The average last spring frost in New Hampshire ranges from April 21 in Salem to May 14 in Berlin, 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 New Hampshire

When to plant thyme in other states

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