Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a low-growing, woody perennial. It is a highly aromatic Mediterranean herb that performs especially well in somewhat dry, sunny conditions. It holds its flavor in cooking and blends well with other flavors of its native region, such as garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes.
Thyme is considered to have antiseptic and preservative properties and has long been used medicinally as well as to preserve meats. You’ll even find thyme in perfume.
The tiny pink, lavender, or white tubular flowers of thyme plants show up in the spring and summer and are well-liked by bees. The tiny gray-green leaves remain evergreen, and most varieties can even be harvested in winter in the zones where it is a perennial.
Thyme comes in over fifty varieties with different fragrances and flavors. Fresh or English thyme are used most often in cooking.
Originally from the Mediterranean area, this herb is drought-friendly so it doesn’t have high watering needs. It is also pollinator-friendly! Let some thyme plants flower, since the herb attracts the bees.
Where and how to plant thyme
- Thyme thrives in full sun and loves heat. If you are growing in a pot indoors, plant near a sunny window.
- Soil needs to drain well so there aren’t “wet feet.” In the garden, plant with other drought-tolerant perennials.
- In early spring, you may fertilize with organic matter, like compost, but not much soil amendment is necessary.
- It’s hard to grow thyme from seeds because of slow, uneven germination. It’s easier to buy the plants from a garden center or take some cuttings from a friend. Over time, you can propagate from your own cuttings.
- For a head start, plant the cuttings indoors 6 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost.
- Plant cuttings or young thyme plants any time after the ground temperature reaches 70°F. This is usually 2 to 3 weeks before the last spring frost in well-drained soil about 9 inches apart.
- Space young plants 12 to 24 inches apart, depending upon the specific variety.
- The plants should grow 6 to 12 inches in height.
- In the garden, plant thyme near cabbage or tomatoes.
- If you are growing thyme in containers, a plant with rosemary which also likes sunny conditions and has similar watering needs.
How to care plant thyme
Trim thyme after it’s finished flowering to promote new growth. This will give you more leaves to harvest through the winter. If you don’t tidy them up, plants become woody and will need replacing after three years.
Once established, thyme won’t need watering. If you are growing your plant in a container, give it a weekly feed from March until May with liquid seaweed.
Harvesting thyme
Thyme is an evergreen perennial, so leaves can be picked fresh all year round. The best time, though, to pick the leaves is early summer, when the plant is at its most productive, before flowering or in late summer after flowering.
Thyme storage
Thyme dries well, but the best method for preserving it is to add it to butter, vinegar or oil.
