GROW GUIDE

Common Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

Plant Description

Common Thyme

A resilient herb with small, delicate leaves that range from green to silvery-grey.

Thyme is known for its strong, earthy flavor with subtle minty and lemon undertones. It thrives in a variety of culinary contexts, from Mediterranean to French cuisine, imparting a distinctive aromatic essence that enhances meats, soups, and sauces.

Gardening Level: easy

Quick Facts:

  • Sun Requirements

    Full Sun

  • Days To Sprout

    14-28 Days

  • Days To Harvest

    75-90 Days

  • Plant Spacing

    12-24"

  • Seeds Per Hole

    3

  • Planting Depth

    1/4"

Best Planting Locations

  • Windowsills

    Perfect for small herbs, easy access and plenty of light.

  • Raised Beds

    Well-drained soil and ample sunlight are ideal.

  • Balconies

    Suitable for container gardening; provides adequate sunlight and airflow.

  • Containers

    Controls soil quality and moisture; easy to manage and move.

Getting Started

  • 1

    Find the Spot

    Thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 hours of direct light each day. Choose a well-exposed spot in the garden or a sunny windowsill if planting indoors.

  • 2

    Prep the Soil & Fertilizer

    Prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Mix in some gravel or sand to improve drainage if needed. A light application of organic fertilizer at planting can encourage strong growth.

  • 3

    Plant the Seeds

    Plant 3 seeds in each hole about 1/4" deep in the soil. Press seeds gently into the dirt without totally burying them as they require light to sprout.

    Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid over watering as thyme seeds can get damping off.

    Maintain a soil temperature between 65° to 70° F. Space plants or seedlings approximately 12-24 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Good Neighbors:

  • Tomato:

    Thyme repels tomato hornworm and whiteflies, and also enhances tomato's flavor

  • Cabbage:

    Thyme repels insects that harm cabbage and lures ladybugs which help cabbage

  • Rose:

    Thyme keeps roses safe from black flies and aphids

  • Strawberries:

    Plant between your strawberry rows to provide ground cover & keep soil moist

Enemy Plants:

  • Basil, Cilantro & Mint:

    Different growing requirements, and might compete for the same nutrients in the soil

Attractants:

  • Honey Bees & Hoverflies:

    Attracted to thyme's strong aroma

Repellents:

  • Aphids

    Thyme attracts lacewings, which reduce aphids through predation

  • Cabbage Worm

    Repelled by thyme's strong aroma

Best Time to Plant

USDA Hardiness Zones

Day to Day Maintenance

  • Watering

    Drought-tolerant once established but needs regular watering during the initial growth phase. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Over-watering can lead to root rot.

  • Pruning

    Prune in early spring to encourage new growth and maintain a compact form. Regularly trimming the tips can also help promote a bushier plant. Avoid cutting into the woody part of the plant, as it may not regrow.

The Harvest

  • Gathering

    Harvest sprigs as needed by snipping off the top five to six inches of growth. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and can prevent the plant from becoming woody.

  • Extra Tip

    For the most potent aroma and flavor, harvest just before the plant flowers, typically in the morning when the essential oils are most concentrated.

Favorite Uses

  • Meat

  • Soup

  • Seafood

  • Vegetables

  • Pasta

How to Store

  • Freezing

    • Duration: Several months
    • Location: Store in the freezer
    • Method: Place whole sprigs in freezer bags or freeze chopped thyme in ice cube trays with olive oil.

  • Oil Preservation

    • Duration: Several months
    • Location: Refrigerator
    • Method: Submerge the cleaned and dried sprigs in olive oil in a sealed container; store in the refrigerator.

  • Curing

    • Duration: Several months
    • Location: Cool, dry place
    • Method: Layer sprigs of thyme with salt in an airtight container. The salt will draw out moisture and preserve the herb.

  • Drying

    • Duration: One year
    • Location: Warm, dry, and well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight
    • Method: Hang bunches upside down or spread them on a rack in a dry, shaded area.

Fun Facts

  • Bee's Favorite

    Thyme flowers are a significant source of nectar for honeybees, producing a unique flavored honey that is highly prized in some regions.

  • Ancient Embalming

    Thyme was used by the Egyptians in their embalming practices due to its strong preservative and aromatic properties.