When to Plant Thyme in Washington, District of Columbia (20521)

Location

Washington, District of Columbia

ZIP Code

20521

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Friday, March 20, 2026

📅 Planting Calendar

Start Seeds Indoors Friday, January 23, 2026

Transplant Outdoors Friday, April 3, 2026

Pro Tip: Start Thyme seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Thymus vulgaris

Days to Maturity 90 days

Mature Height 6-12"

Spread 12"

Type Ground cover

Fruit Size N/A

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6+ hours)

💧

Water

Low (drought tolerant)

↔️

Spacing

12" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.125" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 14-21 days

Ready to Plant Thyme in Washington?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, January 23, 2026.

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Growing Thyme in Zone 8a

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a popular garden vegetable. In Washington, District of Columbia, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, you should start seeds indoors around Friday, January 23, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, March 20, 2026. Plan to transplant your Thyme seedlings outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.