When to Plant Thyme in South Dakota
In a typical South Dakota location, start seeds indoors Mar 11 – Mar 25, then transplant outdoors May 6 – May 13. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 26 in Tea and as late as May 12 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 1 – May 8 |
| Rapid City | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Aberdeen | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 8 – May 15 |
| Brookings | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Watertown | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Mitchell | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Yankton | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Pierre | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Huron | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Spearfish | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | May 12 – May 19 |
| Vermillion | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Brandon | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 1 – May 8 |
| Box Elder | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | May 12 – May 19 |
| Rapid Valley | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Ellsworth Air Force Base | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | May 12 – May 19 |
| Madison | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | May 5 – May 12 |
| Sturgis | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 8 – May 15 |
| Belle Fourche | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Harrisburg | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Tea | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 26 – May 3 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 South Dakota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all South Dakota cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant thyme in South Dakota?
In a typical South Dakota location, start seeds indoors Mar 11 – Mar 25, then transplant outdoors May 6 – May 13. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 26 in Tea and as late as May 12 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.
When is the last frost in South Dakota?
The average last spring frost in South Dakota ranges from April 26 in Tea to May 12 in Ellsworth Air Force Base, 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 South Dakota
- 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