SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Orange Balsam Thyme

Thyme
Zone 1a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Orange Balsam Thyme to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Orange Balsam Thyme
75d to harvest

Sunlit citrus notes rise first—Orange Balsam Thyme carries a warm, orange-gold fragrance with a softly resinous, thyme-bright finish. The foliage forms tight, low mounds of tiny, oval leaves that feel pleasantly crisp and aromatic, with a delicate, honeyed character that lingers in the garden air. Grow Orange Balsam Thyme for its bold scent and pollinator-friendly blooms, ideal for fresh sprigs and for infusing flavor into everyday herb blends.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Zone 1a has only 30 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 75-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.
MilestoneDate
Last FrostJun 15th
Growing ApproachProtected Environment Only

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity75
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)45
Min Night Temp (°F)40
Harden Off (days)7

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Orange Balsam Thyme in Zone 1a typically begins around Indoor Lights Only. Wait until soil reaches at least 45°F before transplanting Orange Balsam Thyme.

Garden Alerts

Zone 1a has only 30 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 75-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

Recommended Companions

Sungella Tomato
View Details →
Moonsong Deep Orange Marigold
View Details →
Parade Onion
View Details →
Red Zeppelin Onion
View Details →
Anna Russian Tomato
View Details →
Inca II Marigold
View Details →

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water Orange Balsam Thyme during active growth?
During the main growing season, water deeply but infrequently: typically every 7–10 days in average conditions, and more like every 3–6 days during hot, dry spells. Aim for evenly moist soil only until plants establish, then shift to letting the top layer dry between waterings—Thymus vulgaris prefers dry-to-moderately-dry conditions. Avoid frequent misting or shallow watering that keeps the root zone damp.
How can I tell when Orange Balsam Thyme is ready to harvest (Thymus vulgaris, ~75 days)?
Harvest when plants are well-established and have lots of fragrant growth—about 75 days from sowing for best results, or once stems are at least 4–6 in (10–15 cm) long. Pick in the morning before heat, snipping young, non-woody tips; you’ll know they’re ready when the leaves are fully formed and strongly aromatic when rubbed. For the best flavor, don’t strip more than about one-third of the plant at a time—then let it regrow.
Botanical illustration of Orange Balsam Thyme

Sunlit citrus notes rise first—Orange Balsam Thyme carries a warm, orange-gold fragrance with a softly resinous, thyme-bright finish. The foliage forms tight, low mounds of tiny, oval leaves that feel pleasantly crisp and aromatic, with a delicate, honeyed character that lingers in the garden air. Grow Orange Balsam Thyme for its bold scent and pollinator-friendly blooms, ideal for fresh sprigs and for infusing flavor into everyday herb blends.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Orange Balsam Thyme in Zone 1a typically begins around Indoor Lights Only. Wait until soil reaches at least 45°F before transplanting Orange Balsam Thyme.

Garden Alerts

Zone 1a has only 30 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 75-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 45°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Grow thyme in a sunny, well-drained bed (or pot) and keep seedlings on the dry side to prevent damping-off.