Thyme is a tough, low-growing perennial herb that thrives on neglect. It likes sun, poor to average soil and little water, and it is far more likely to die from too much care than too little. A few plants give sprigs year-round in mild climates and from spring to late fall elsewhere. This page covers how to start thyme, where to plant it, how to care for it and how to harvest.
Thyme at a glance
| Type | Herb |
|---|---|
| Season | Perennial |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Plant spacing | 12 in |
| Row spacing | 18 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | At surface |
| Days to maturity | 70–90 from seed |
| How to start | Buy plants, or start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost; barely cover seed |
| Water | 0.5 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant thyme
Most gardeners start with young plants, set out in spring around your last frost date. To grow from seed, start indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost; the seed is tiny and slow. Common thyme is perennial in most of the US, roughly zones 5 to 9, and survives winter outdoors with good drainage.
Find your last frost with the frost dates by ZIP code tool, and check your zone with the growing zone finder.
How to plant thyme
- Choose full sun. Six or more hours of sun gives the most aromatic leaves.
- Make sure it drains. Thyme needs light, well-drained soil and dislikes rich, wet ground. In heavy clay, plant in a raised bed, a rock garden or a container with gritty mix.
- Sow on the surface. If starting from seed, press it onto the surface of moist mix and barely cover it.
- Space for spread. Use the spacing in the table above. Creeping types can be planted between paving stones.
- Propagate easily. Take cuttings or layer stems in summer to make new plants.
Caring for thyme
Water young plants regularly until established, then only during long dry spells. About half an inch a week is plenty, and established thyme handles drought well. Let the soil dry between waterings; soggy soil causes root rot. The overwatering checker helps if a plant looks unwell.
Thyme needs no fertilizer. Trim plants lightly after flowering, and again in early spring, to keep them bushy, but do not cut into bare woody stems, which may not regrow. Plants become woody after 3 to 4 years; replace them with cuttings. In cold regions, a light mulch of evergreen boughs helps in winter.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Cabbage-family crops, tomatoes, eggplant, strawberries, rosemary, sage, lavender |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Herbs and vegetables that need rich, constantly moist soil |
Thyme is said to help deter cabbage worms, and its flowers attract bees. Rosemary, sage and lavender share its need for sun and dry, well-drained soil. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Root rot | Plants wilt, yellow and die despite moist soil | Too much water or poor drainage. Plant in gritty, well-drained soil and water only when dry. See the overwatering checker. |
| Woody, sparse plants | Bare stems with leaves only at the tips | Normal with age, or from cutting too hard. Trim lightly each year and replace old plants every 3 to 4 years. |
| Winter dieback | Brown, dead patches after winter | Usually wet, cold soil. Improve drainage and trim back dead stems in spring. |
| Spider mites | Fine speckling and webbing in hot, dry weather, especially indoors | Rinse plants with water. See the pest identifier. |
| Poor germination | Few seedlings | Seed was buried too deep. Sow on the surface and keep moist, or start with plants. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
Pick sprigs any time once the plant is established, snipping the top few inches of soft, green stems. Flavor is strongest just before the plant flowers. Leave at least a third of the plant, and avoid heavy harvests in late fall so it goes into winter strong.
Use thyme fresh, or dry it: hang small bundles upside down in a warm, airy place out of sun, then strip the leaves and store them in a jar. Fresh sprigs keep about a week in the fridge wrapped in a damp towel.
Plan your thyme
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant thyme plants?
Space thyme plants 12 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant thyme seeds?
Sow seeds on the surface. Press seed onto the surface of moist mix and barely cover it.
How long do thyme plants take to grow?
Most varieties are ready 70–90 days from seed. Check the seed packet, because early and late varieties differ.
How much water do thyme plants need?
About 0.5 inches of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Let the soil dry between waterings; soggy soil causes root rot.
Does thyme come back every year?
Yes. Thyme is a perennial in most of the US, roughly zones 5 to 9, as long as the soil drains well in winter.
How often should I water thyme?
Only when the soil is dry. Established thyme needs water just during long dry spells, and overwatering is the most common way to kill it.