When to plant thyme in Pullman, WA

Plant young thyme plants in Pullman Apr 15 – Jun 10.

Easy Plant young plants

Why these dates

Pullman's typical last spring frost is April 29. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Inland Northwest, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 15.

Inland Northwest. Higher, colder interior valleys. Cold springs and an earlier fall mean a shorter season; quick-maturing varieties pay off.

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

Pick a sunny spot with soil that drains well, and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant young thyme plants Apr 15 – Jun 10, 12 inches apart. Plant at the depth it grew in the nursery pot.
Water only until established; thyme prefers dry soil. Replace plants every few years when they get woody.
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 Pullman, WA?

Typically April 29. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 14. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport.

Is it too late to plant thyme in Pullman?

The spring planting window runs through June 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 Pullman around the same time

Planting dates for thyme in nearby areas

Spokane, WA Apr 15 – Jun 10
Colville, WA Apr 15 – Jun 10
Ellensburg, WA Apr 15 – Jun 10
Omak and Okanogan, WA Apr 15 – Jun 10
La Grande, OR Apr 15 – Jun 10
Leavenworth, WA Apr 15 – Jun 10

Full planting calendar for Pullman · Thyme in every city