FrostCal

When to Plant Thyme in Washington

In a typical Washington location, start seeds indoors Jan 27 – Feb 10, then transplant outdoors Mar 24 – Mar 31. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 1 in Port Townsend and as late as May 30 in Cheney.

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
SeattleJan 16 – Jan 30Mar 13 – Mar 20
Tri-CitiesMar 2 – Mar 16Apr 27 – May 4
SpokaneMar 1 – Mar 15Apr 26 – May 3
TacomaJan 11 – Jan 25Mar 8 – Mar 15
VancouverFeb 1 – Feb 15Mar 29 – Apr 5
BellevueJan 11 – Jan 25Mar 8 – Mar 15
KentJan 23 – Feb 6Mar 20 – Mar 27
EverettJan 27 – Feb 10Mar 24 – Mar 31
RentonJan 16 – Jan 30Mar 13 – Mar 20
Federal WayJan 11 – Jan 25Mar 8 – Mar 15
Spokane ValleyMar 1 – Mar 15Apr 26 – May 3
YakimaMar 13 – Mar 27May 8 – May 15
KirklandJan 11 – Jan 25Mar 8 – Mar 15
BellinghamFeb 4 – Feb 18Apr 1 – Apr 8
KennewickJan 31 – Feb 14Mar 28 – Apr 4
AuburnJan 23 – Feb 6Mar 20 – Mar 27
PascoJan 31 – Feb 14Mar 28 – Apr 4
MarysvilleJan 27 – Feb 10Mar 24 – Mar 31
RedmondJan 11 – Jan 25Mar 8 – Mar 15
LakewoodJan 14 – Jan 28Mar 11 – Mar 18
OlympiaMar 4 – Mar 18Apr 29 – May 6
ShorelineJan 11 – Jan 25Mar 8 – Mar 15
RichlandFeb 9 – Feb 23Apr 6 – Apr 13
South HillFeb 14 – Feb 28Apr 11 – Apr 18
SammamishJan 11 – Jan 25Mar 8 – Mar 15
BurienJan 5 – Jan 19Mar 2 – Mar 9
LaceyMar 4 – Mar 18Apr 29 – May 6
City of SammamishFeb 2 – Feb 16Mar 30 – Apr 6
BothellJan 11 – Jan 25Mar 8 – Mar 15
EdmondsJan 12 – Jan 26Mar 9 – Mar 16

Showing the 30 most populous of 133 Washington cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Washington cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant thyme in Washington?

In a typical Washington location, start seeds indoors Jan 27 – Feb 10, then transplant outdoors Mar 24 – Mar 31. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 1 in Port Townsend and as late as May 30 in Cheney.

When is the last frost in Washington?

The average last spring frost in Washington ranges from March 1 in Port Townsend to May 30 in Cheney, 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 Washington

When to plant thyme in other states

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