Planting and Growing Guide for Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Description
Thyme is a classic herb that is worth growing as a perennial in your herb garden. The three most common types of culinary thyme are Lemon, French and Caraway, each with a slightly different flavor. Thyme is relatively easy to grow and once established looks after itself, and can be continually cropped. Thyme is hard to grow from seed. Root division, layering or cuttings are more reliable. Sow seed in seed trays or small pots, in warm soil, after the last frost date. Keep indoors or in a hot house while the seeds are germinating. Keep the seedlings growing under cover until they reach about 10 cm (4 inches) high. Harden off the seedlings by placing outside during the day and inside at night for about 7 days. Transplant the young plants into your garden in well-drained soil in a spot with full sunlight.
To grow from roots, divide plants that are 3 or 4 years old, in late Spring. Plant them into a sunny spot and water frequently until they become established. Thyme dies down in the winter. Adding a good layer of mulch round the plants in Autumn (Fall) will protect the plants from frosts and will help the plants shoot again in Spring.
Thyme is mostly used with meat, chicken and fish. But it can be used to add taste to mushrooms, potatoes, beans, peas and carrots.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Sow seed directly into the garden at a depth of 1 cm (1/2 inch) in warm frost-free areas. In colder areas sow in seed trays and plant out after 6-8 weeks. Best grown from cuttings or by root divisions made in Spring and planted into warm soils. Thyme grows well in pots, especially in cooler areas, as the pots can be moved indoors in winter
Space between plants: Allow about 25-50 cm (1-2 feet) between plants.
Harvest Time: Harvest in about 10-12 months. However you can harvest the shoots and leaves continuously, but sparingly as the plants grow. Flavor intensifies as plants get older especially in summer. Flavor is better if the plants are not over-watered nor over-fed with nutrients
Hints:
- Grows best in full sun. But can be grown in partial shade in warmer areas
- Will grow in a range of soil types, except for heavy clay soils
- Feed sparingly and add compost around the plants as they grow as a mulch and source of nutrients. Over fertilising reduces the intensity of the flavor.
- Do not water Thyme excessively. Water regularly but sparingly allowing the soil to dry out before watering again. Thyme is drought resistant.
- Thyme does best in well-drained, sandy, or light loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid or alkaline pH (6.0-8.0). Resist the temptation to over-fertilize. Your Thyme might grow a little faster, but its flavor will be less intense. Thyme has the best flavor in Summer
- Harvest sparingly in the first year
- Thyme is a vigorous grower, and needs plenty of space. Trimming may be required to keep it under control. Space plants 25-50 cm (12 to 24 inches) apart, depending upon the variety.
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!