When to Plant Thyme in Des Moines, Iowa (50310)

Location

Des Moines, Iowa

ZIP Code

50310

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Saturday, April 25, 2026

📅 Planting Calendar

Start Seeds Indoors Saturday, February 28, 2026

Transplant Outdoors Saturday, May 9, 2026

Pro Tip: Start Thyme seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 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 Des Moines?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, February 28, 2026.

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Growing Thyme in Zone 5b

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a popular garden vegetable. In Des Moines, Iowa, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should start seeds indoors around Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Plan to transplant your Thyme seedlings outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.