FrostCal

When to Plant Thyme in Wisconsin

In a typical Wisconsin 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 19 in Kenosha and as late as May 11 in Merrill.

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
MilwaukeeMar 1 – Mar 15Apr 26 – May 3
MadisonMar 6 – Mar 20May 1 – May 8
Green BayMar 12 – Mar 26May 7 – May 14
KenoshaFeb 22 – Mar 8Apr 19 – Apr 26
RacineFeb 23 – Mar 9Apr 20 – Apr 27
AppletonMar 9 – Mar 23May 4 – May 11
WaukeshaMar 6 – Mar 20May 1 – May 8
Eau ClaireFeb 27 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 1
OshkoshFeb 27 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 1
JanesvilleMar 1 – Mar 15Apr 26 – May 3
West AllisMar 1 – Mar 15Apr 26 – May 3
La CrosseMar 2 – Mar 16Apr 27 – May 4
North La CrosseFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 23 – Apr 30
SheboyganFeb 28 – Mar 14Apr 25 – May 2
WauwatosaMar 1 – Mar 15Apr 26 – May 3
Fond du LacMar 2 – Mar 16Apr 27 – May 4
New BerlinMar 8 – Mar 22May 3 – May 10
WausauMar 11 – Mar 25May 6 – May 13
BrookfieldMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
GreenfieldMar 8 – Mar 22May 3 – May 10
BeloitMar 6 – Mar 20May 1 – May 8
FranklinMar 8 – Mar 22May 3 – May 10
Menomonee FallsMar 11 – Mar 25May 6 – May 13
Oak CreekFeb 25 – Mar 11Apr 22 – Apr 29
ManitowocMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 7
Sun PrairieMar 6 – Mar 20May 1 – May 8
West BendMar 6 – Mar 20May 1 – May 8
FitchburgMar 6 – Mar 20May 1 – May 8
Stevens PointMar 9 – Mar 23May 4 – May 11
SuperiorMar 11 – Mar 25May 6 – May 13

Showing the 30 most populous of 96 Wisconsin cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Wisconsin cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant thyme in Wisconsin?

In a typical Wisconsin 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 19 in Kenosha and as late as May 11 in Merrill.

When is the last frost in Wisconsin?

The average last spring frost in Wisconsin ranges from April 19 in Kenosha to May 11 in Merrill, 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 Wisconsin

When to plant thyme in other states

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