Thyme in Zone 11a & 11b
Thymus vulgaris
When to plant thyme in zone 11b
Zones 11a and 11b 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.
| Start indoors | Nov 6–Nov 13 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Jan 8–Jan 15 |
| Estimated harvest | Apr 8–Apr 15 (~90 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-1 ft.
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 11's season
Zone 11b is frost-free in this dataset, so frost is not what limits the calendar here. What you can plant, and when, comes down to summer heat and daylength instead.
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. (usually zones 2-10, so not a pairing for zone 11b)
Where to buy thyme seeds
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 genuine consensus of positive, independent reviews. See the sources cited on each item.
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 11b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
Pin this for later
Growing Thyme in USDA zone 11b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
Save to Pinterest