Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

Thyme cuttings on a white marble surface

Thyme is an attractive herb that makes a great ground cover in the garden or for borders. It is wonderfully fragrant and delicious in sauces, soups and stuffings.

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Full sun

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Plant in spring

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Regular watering

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Well drained soil

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All climatic zones

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8-12 weeks from sowing

Growing Thyme

Thyme is easy to grow from seeds or from cuttings, and can also be easily propagated by layering.

Originally from the Mediterranean, thyme will thrive in full sun with well drained soil.

Growing thyme in pots can be tricky it is easy to over-water it, but get the moisture balance right and it will happily live on a sunny kitchen windowsill.

Growing Tips

  • Plant thyme in well drained soil. It does not like to have wet feet.
  • Pick leaves regularly to encourage more growth. 
  • Thyme leaves can be dried by hanging or between sheets of paper, or sprigs can be frozen wrapped in baking paper and plastic.  
  • If your thyme plant starts to look a bit tired and leggy after a few years, give it a hard prune and this will help revive it.

Thyme varieties

  • Common thyme
  • Lemon thyme
  • Wild thyme
  • Creeping thyme
  • Elfin thyme
Thyme growing in a pot
Thyme

How to Use Thyme

Thyme is a wonderful seasoning for many meats, from lamb rack to roast chicken, and also for stuffings, sauces and soups.

Thyme is also used in many drinks, you can use it to flavor water, make tea, or even to flavor vodka!

Read More about Thyme

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Dried thyme leaves in a wooden spoon. How to Dry Thyme Drying thyme is a great way to preserve this flavorful herb. There are a few easy steps to follow, so… READ MORE...
Homemade Italian seasoning mix in a glass jar. Homemade Italian Seasoning Mix This homemade Italian seasoning mix is the perfect blend of herbs to give your recipes that classic Italian flavor. This… READ MORE...
Fresh thyme sprigs in a jar with water. How to Store Thyme If you're lucky enough to have a bumper crop of thyme (or if you've bought too much at the market),… READ MORE...
Freshly harvested thyme bunches on a white background. How to Harvest Thyme Thyme is a hardy perennial that is relatively easy to grow. Harvesting thyme is relatively simple, and thyme is a… READ MORE...
A pot of thyme growing on a windowsill. How to Grow Thyme Indoors Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) makes an attractive windowsill herb. It can be tricky to grow indoors, but with the right care it… READ MORE...
Thyme growing in a teracotta pot. How to Grow Thyme From Seed Grow thyme from seed in pots or directly in the ground for a great addition to any kitchen herb garden.… READ MORE...
Green softwood thyme cuttings. Growing Thyme from Cuttings Growing thyme from cuttings is easy, and a great way to get yourself a new thyme plant if you are… READ MORE...