Rainline Garden

When to plant thyme in Yakima, WA

Plant young thyme plants in Yakima Apr 10 – Jun 5.

Easy Plant young plants

Why these dates

Yakima's typical last spring frost is May 8. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 4 weeks before that.

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

  1. Pick a sunny spot with soil that drains well, and mix in an inch or two of compost.
  2. Plant young thyme plants Apr 10 – Jun 5, 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 Yakima, WA?

Typically May 8. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 27. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Yakima Air Terminal.

Is it too late to plant thyme in Yakima?

The spring planting window runs through June 5. 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 Yakima around the same time

Planting dates for thyme in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Yakima · Thyme in every city