Thyme in Zone 10a & 10b
Thymus vulgaris
Yes, thyme grows in zones 10a and 10b. Plant it outside in Feb–Apr. For a fall crop, plant out in Oct–Nov.
When to plant thyme in zone 10b
Zones 10a and 10b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. It 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 | ~90 days after transplanting |
| Window | Fall window |
|---|---|
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Oct–Nov |
| Estimated harvest | ~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.
Fall window: the last sowing date is the average first frost minus days to maturity, the method in Purdue Extension's fall garden guide, which lists thyme for late-summer planting.
Plant alongside it in zone 10b
These go outside within two weeks of thyme in zone 10b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilFeb–Aug
- RosemaryFeb–Apr
- BorageJan 30–Feb 6
- Lemon BalmFeb–Apr
- Marjoram (Sweet)Feb–Apr
- Mint (Spearmint)Feb–Apr
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.
Thyme planting windows in every zone
Zone 10b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4a & 4b | Mar 20–Mar 27 | May 22–May 29 | Aug 20–Aug 27 |
| 5a & 5b | Mar 15–Mar 22 | May 17–May 24 | Aug 15–Aug 22 |
| 6a & 6b | Feb 28–Mar 7 | May 2–May 9 | Jul 31–Aug 7 |
| 7a & 7b | Feb 13–Feb 20 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | Jul 16–Jul 23 |
| 8a & 8b | Jan 28–Feb 4 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | Jun 30–Jul 7 |
| 9a & 9b | Dec 21–Dec 28 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | May 23–May 30 |
| 10a & 10bSpring window (your zone) | Not usually | Feb–Apr | ~90 days after transplanting |
| Fall window | Not usually | Oct–Nov | ~90 days after transplanting |
| 11a & 11b | Nov 6–Nov 13 | Jan 8–Jan 15 | Apr 8–Apr 15 |
Harvest dates are about 90 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
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
True Leaf Market · Burpee · High Mowing Organic Seeds (each supplier's thyme seeds)
Varieties we recommend, and where to get them:
- French or English Thyme: Illinois Extension calls French and English thyme the most popular of the culinary types, distinguishing them from ornamental types like woolly thyme that are grown for rock gardens rather than the kitchen. Buy: Botanical Interests · True Leaf Market Full notes
- Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) (best for groundcover, pathways, not cooking): NC State Extension notes this at just 2-3 inches tall spreading 3-12 inches wide, with deep pink to purple flowers, grown as an ornamental groundcover for pathways and rock gardens rather than for the kitchen the way French or English thyme is. Buy: Botanical Interests · True Leaf Market · Burpee Full notes
See why we recommend these suppliers →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a clear consensus of positive, independent reviews, or ones we bought and use ourselves. Each item on our gear page says which.
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 · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
Pin this for later
Growing Thyme in USDA zone 10b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
Save to Pinterest