When to plant thyme in Syracuse, New York

April 29 – May 13

Transplant outdoors · typical Syracuse year

Climate basis: NOAA station Syracuse Hancock INTL AP, NY (USW00014771), 5 mi (8 km) from downtown Syracuse (ZCTA 13202 centroid), elevation 413 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Transplant thyme outdoors from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (April 29). One year in ten still freezes after May 13.

Last spring freezeApril 291-in-10 after May 13
First fall freezeOctober 191-in-10 before Oct 2
Frost-free season173 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 16Nov 2kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6a-10 to -5°F winter low not frost timing

The Syracuse year

Transplant outdoorsApr 29 – May 13
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 13
Thyme in Syracuse · freeze context from Syracuse Hancock INTL AP, NY, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Transplant outdoors

Apr 29 – May 13

Oklahoma State Table 1: plant thyme after the last spring frost (seed or cuttings; most gardeners set out plants). Point rule given a 14-day span. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Apr 29). Oklahoma State University Extension

Start seeds indoors

Not calculated

The cited guide gives no indoor seed-starting lead time for thyme, so no window is calculated.

Direct-sow outdoors

Not calculated

The cited extension guides do not time direct sowing for this crop.

Fall planting

Not calculated

No source-backed fall planting rule exists for this crop in the registry, so no fall window is calculated.

Variety assumption: A hardy perennial once established; harvest lightly the first season.

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (1)

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