When to plant thyme in The Dalles, OR

Plant young thyme plants in The Dalles Apr 1 – May 27.

Easy Plant young plants

Why these dates

The Dalles's typical last spring frost is April 11. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 1.

Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys. Hot, dry summers and quick spring warm-up. Warm crops go in earlier than west of the Cascades, and irrigation matters more than rain.

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 1 – May 27, 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 The Dalles, OR?

Typically April 11. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 28. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for The Dalles Municipal Airport (Dallesport, WA).

Is it too late to plant thyme in The Dalles?

The spring planting window runs through May 27. 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 The Dalles around the same time

Planting dates for thyme in nearby areas

Pendleton, OR Apr 1 – May 27
Yakima, WA Apr 10 – Jun 5
Wenatchee, WA Apr 1 – May 27
Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland), WA Apr 1 – May 27
Walla Walla, WA Apr 1 – May 27
Moses Lake, WA Apr 1 – May 27

Full planting calendar for The Dalles · Thyme in every city