UK sowing calendar
When to sow thyme in the UK
Thyme sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | Mar-May |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Plant out late May-Jun |
| Harvest | all year (best late spring-summer) |
Sow indoors in spring at about 13C, then harden off and plant out after frost. Slow from seed - plants often need a year to establish before real harvesting; buying plants or taking cuttings is quicker. Evergreen, so pickable year-round.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for thyme.
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When to sow thyme in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow thyme in the UK?
Sow thyme under cover Mar-May, then outdoors plant out late may-jun. Sow indoors in spring at about 13C, then harden off and plant out after frost. Slow from seed - plants often need a year to establish before real harvesting; buying plants or taking cuttings is quicker. Evergreen, so pickable year-round.
Can you sow thyme outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant thyme outdoors plant out late may-jun. Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is thyme ready to harvest in the UK?
Thyme is typically harvested all year (best late spring-summer) in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow thyme?
It depends on the month and your region. Thyme has a UK outdoor window of plant out late may-jun; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.