Thyme: Spacing, Yield & Planting Dates
Plant count & yield calculator
Pre-filled for this crop — adjust bed size or pick a different vegetable.
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Seed starting dates
Pre-filled last frost — change the date to rebuild the full crop schedule. For Thyme with this frost date : start indoors ~Feb 18, transplant ~Apr 29 .
Pick a last frost date for the schedule.
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About thyme
Thyme is a low-growing perennial herb essential for French and Mediterranean cooking, thriving in poor, dry soil where fussier plants struggle.
Spacing & yield
Thyme wants 12×14 inches and about 0.3 lb per plant at ~90 days to maturity.
Growing tips
- Plant in full sun with excellent drainage — thyme rots quickly in soggy soil.
- Shear plants back by one-third after flowering to maintain compact form and prevent woodiness.
- Mulch with gravel rather than organic matter to keep crowns dry.
- Start from seed indoors 8 weeks early, or propagate from stem cuttings of established plants.
Common mistakes
- Planting in rich, moist soil — thyme produces the most aromatic oils under lean, dry stress.
- Neglecting to trim after bloom, letting plants become leggy and woody at the center.
- Mulching with bark or straw that holds moisture against the crown.
Harvest & storage
Snip sprigs throughout the season once stems reach 4-5 inches; peak flavor arrives about 90 days from transplant.
Hang dry in bundles for 1-2 weeks, then strip leaves; dried thyme retains excellent flavor for months.
Companion planting
Good neighbors for thyme: tomatoes, eggplant, cabbage, strawberries, roses. Avoid planting beside: basil (different water needs).
Planting calendar
Start indoors about 8 weeks before last frost, then transplant 2 weeks after frost. Perennial herb. Use the seed-starting calculator above with your real county frost date — the April 15 default is only a worked example (zone 6 style).
Estimates only — consult your local extension office for advice specific to your land and animals.
Frequently asked questions
- How far apart should thyme be planted?
- Space 12 inches in-row with 14 inches between rows; low mounds eventually fill the space as the perennial matures.
- How much does one thyme plant produce?
- A mature plant yields about 0.3 lb of fresh herb per season across multiple light harvests.
- How long until thyme is ready to harvest?
- From seed, first meaningful harvest takes about 90 days; established plants produce from early spring through fall.
- Is thyme a perennial?
- Yes — thyme is a woody perennial hardy to zone 4, returning each year with minimal care.