How to Grow Thyme in New Zealand
Updated June 2026
Low water, full sun and free-draining soil suit it best, and the flavour intensifies in a hot, dry position. Makes a tidy edging plant. Trim lightly after flowering to stop it going woody.
What it looks like as it grows
When to plant thyme in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
Best thyme varieties for NZ
- Common Thyme, The standard savoury culinary thyme, low and bushy, easy from seed. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Lemon Thyme, Aromatic leaves with a citrus note, lovely with chicken and fish. (Tui, garden centres)
- Variegated Thyme, Yellow and green foliage, ornamental as well as useful for edging. (Garden centres, Mr Fothergill's NZ)
How to grow thyme
- Space plants about 30cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 120 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 21 days.
Companion planting
Grow thyme near: Cabbage, Strawberry.
🌱 Plant Thyme in your garden →For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Thyme plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant thyme in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy thyme seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, Tui.