Rainline Garden

When to plant thyme in Portland, OR

Plant young thyme plants in Portland Mar 15 – May 10.

Easy Plant young plants

Why these dates

Portland's typical last spring frost is March 13. In the west-side valleys, the soil is usually ready for thyme around March 15.

West-side valleys. The Willamette Valley, Puget Sound and southern Oregon valleys. Long frost-free seasons, but soil stays cold and wet into May, so warm crops wait for warm soil, not just the last frost.

Difficulty
Easy
Sun
Full sun
Spacing
12 inches apart
Planting depth
Plant at the depth it grew in the nursery pot
Frost
Handles light frost
First harvest
Pick lightly the first year, freely after that

Step by step

  1. Pick a sunny spot with soil that drains well, and mix in an inch or two of compost.
  2. Plant young thyme plants Mar 15 – May 10, 12 inches apart. Plant at the depth it grew in the nursery pot.
  3. Water only until established; thyme prefers dry soil. Replace plants every few years when they get woody.
  4. Harvest: Snip sprigs before the plant flowers for the best flavor. Trim lightly after flowering to keep it compact.

Varieties that do well here

  • English thyme
  • French thyme
  • Lemon thyme

Watch out for

Root rot in heavy, wet soil. Give it gravelly soil or a raised spot.

Drought-tolerant once established and hates wet feet. Raised beds and rocky edges suit it.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Portland, OR?

Typically March 13. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 1. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Portland International Airport.

Is it too late to plant thyme in Portland?

The spring planting window runs through May 10. Later plantings tend to struggle in summer heat.

How long until I can pick thyme?

Pick lightly the first year, freely after that. Snip sprigs before the plant flowers for the best flavor. Trim lightly after flowering to keep it compact.

Also plant in Portland around the same time

Planting dates for thyme in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Portland · Thyme in every city