Thyme

Basic Information

Seed Number

46

Seed Name

Thyme

Variety

Not recorded

Category

Herb

Plant Family

Lamiaceae

Plant Type

Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Feb 24

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 15

Plantable Months

February, March, April, May, June

Indoor Start

Feb 24 – Mar 10

Direct Sow

May 5 – Jun 15

Transplant

May 5 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

10 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

0 weeks

Germination Days

14–21 days

Harvest/Maturity

Not recorded

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

65-70°F

Planting Depth

1/8 in

Plant Spacing

6-8 in

Row Spacing

12-18 in

Thin-To Spacing

6-8 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs

Water regularly until established; thereafter allow soil to dry between waterings

Soil Preference

Light, dry, well-drained soil; avoid wet or poorly drained sites

Minimum Container Size

1 gal

Plant Height

6-12 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Perennial

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

Yes

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

Yes

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

Yes

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Start indoors or transplant preferred
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 1 – Jun 15
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 90–120 days
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary/medicinal tradition
Succession / Reusable Notes: Slow from seed; perennial if well-drained.
Zone 6B Notes: Needs excellent drainage; avoid soggy soil.
Companion Plants: Cabbage family, tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, strawberries, roses
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Wet soil
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Common thyme is generally hardy in Zone 6B. Excellent drainage is important for winter survival. Start indoors about 8-10 weeks before May 5 or direct sow after spring weather becomes mild.
Germination: Germinates in approximately 14-21 days at 65-70°F. Seed is very small and should be covered only shallowly.
Harvest: Harvest just before flowering when essential oil concentration is high. Cut tender upper growth while leaving woody basal growth intact.
Seed Saving: Allow flower clusters to mature and dry before collecting the tiny seeds. Nearby compatible thyme plants may cross.
Special Care: Avoid overwatering and heavy wet soil. Older woody plants may be divided or replaced when growth becomes sparse.
Companion: Broccoli [Pest Deterrent] — University extension research summaries report reduced diamondback moth and cabbage-worm damage in brassicas when thyme is present.
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/herbs/thyme/thyme-key-growing-information.html — 14-21 day germination, 65-70°F temperature, spacing, light and soil requirements
Research Source: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/thymus-vulgaris/ — Thymus vulgaris identity, height, culinary use and harvest timing
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]