FrostCal

When to Plant Thyme in Rhode Island

In a typical Rhode Island location, start seeds indoors Feb 14 – Feb 28, then transplant outdoors Apr 11 – Apr 18. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 7 in Newport and as late as May 1 in Narragansett.

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
ProvidenceFeb 14 – Feb 28Apr 11 – Apr 18
WarwickFeb 14 – Feb 28Apr 11 – Apr 18
CranstonFeb 14 – Feb 28Apr 11 – Apr 18
PawtucketFeb 25 – Mar 11Apr 22 – Apr 29
East ProvidenceFeb 14 – Feb 28Apr 11 – Apr 18
WoonsocketFeb 25 – Mar 11Apr 22 – Apr 29
CoventryFeb 25 – Mar 11Apr 22 – Apr 29
CumberlandFeb 25 – Mar 11Apr 22 – Apr 29
North ProvidenceFeb 14 – Feb 28Apr 11 – Apr 18
South KingstownMar 6 – Mar 20May 1 – May 8
West WarwickFeb 25 – Mar 11Apr 22 – Apr 29
JohnstonFeb 14 – Feb 28Apr 11 – Apr 18
North KingstownMar 2 – Mar 16Apr 27 – May 4
NewportFeb 10 – Feb 24Apr 7 – Apr 14
BristolFeb 14 – Feb 28Apr 11 – Apr 18
SmithfieldFeb 25 – Mar 11Apr 22 – Apr 29
LincolnFeb 25 – Mar 11Apr 22 – Apr 29
Central FallsFeb 25 – Mar 11Apr 22 – Apr 29
WesterlyFeb 14 – Feb 28Apr 11 – Apr 18
PortsmouthFeb 14 – Feb 28Apr 11 – Apr 18
MiddletownFeb 14 – Feb 28Apr 11 – Apr 18
BarringtonFeb 14 – Feb 28Apr 11 – Apr 18
NarragansettMar 6 – Mar 20May 1 – May 8
East GreenwichFeb 14 – Feb 28Apr 11 – Apr 18
Newport EastFeb 14 – Feb 28Apr 11 – Apr 18
Valley FallsFeb 25 – Mar 11Apr 22 – Apr 29
WarrenFeb 14 – Feb 28Apr 11 – Apr 18
North SmithfieldFeb 25 – Mar 11Apr 22 – Apr 29
North ScituateFeb 28 – Mar 14Apr 25 – May 2

Showing the 29 most populous of 29 Rhode Island cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Rhode Island cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant thyme in Rhode Island?

In a typical Rhode Island location, start seeds indoors Feb 14 – Feb 28, then transplant outdoors Apr 11 – Apr 18. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 7 in Newport and as late as May 1 in Narragansett.

When is the last frost in Rhode Island?

The average last spring frost in Rhode Island ranges from April 7 in Newport to May 1 in Narragansett, 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 Rhode Island

When to plant thyme in other states

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