When to Plant Thyme Seeds

Sow Thyme seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost of the season. Transplant into the garden after risk of frost has passed.

Where to Plant Thyme Seeds

Plant Thyme in dry, well draining soils exposed to full sun (6-8 hours of sun per day). Thyme thrives in sandy, rocky, or other similarly loose soil compositions. Do not allow Thyme to exist in wet soils, as it is prone to rot. Thyme is commonly planted on the outside of garden beds to ward off pests that would prey on other garden vegetables.

How to Plant Thyme Seeds

Thyme seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. Learn more about germination light requirements here.

Sow on the surface of the soil indoors and lightly cover but do not bury the seed. Once seedlings are 3-6 inches tall, transplant into the garden 12-24 inches apart to allow room to grow.

How to Harvest Thyme

In the morning, right before flowering, cut 4-6 inches of herbaceous stalks, leaving woody parts behind. Do not wash harvested thyme, instead shake dry in order to preserve the oils. Harvested stems can be hung in a dry, dark, and cool place such as a garage over 1 to 2 weeks. Thyme leaves can be harvested from the stalks by pinching the end of the stem and moving up the stalk. Store leaves in a dry, dark, and cool place in a container to dry over a few days.