Thyme in Zone 10a & 10b
Thymus vulgaris
When to plant thyme in zone 10b
Zones 10a and 10b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Thyme needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Window | Spring window |
|---|---|
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb–Apr |
| Estimated harvest | May 2–Jul 29 (~90 days after transplanting) |
| Window | Fall window |
|---|---|
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Oct–Nov |
| Estimated harvest | Dec 30–Feb 28 '27 (~90 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-1 ft.
Zone 10b dates sourced from growinginthegarden.com.
Thyme is a low, spreading perennial, not an annual herb you replant each spring. Once established, it comes back reliably year after year and slowly fills in as a groundcover.
How thyme fits zone 10's season
Zone 10b's frost-free window runs about 324 days, from January 30 to December 20. Thyme needs about 90 days from transplant to first harvest.
Good companions
- Cabbage: Penn State Extension lists thyme among the herbs that measurably deter cabbage loopers on brassicas, the same protective role sage and dill play.
Where to buy thyme seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing thyme" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 10b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Thyme in USDA zone 10b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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