GROW GUIDE

GARDEN THYME

Thymus Vulgaris

Thyme

Plant Description

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

    2-3

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Planting Depth

    1/4"

  • Germination Rate

    ~70%

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 2-3 seeds in each hole about 1/4" deep in the soil. Space plants or seedlings approximately 12 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Companion Plants

  • Strawberry:

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

  • Cabbage:

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

  • Rose:

    Thyme keeps roses safe from blackflies and aphids.

  • Tomato:

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

Attractants

  • Honeybees:

    Attracted by thyme's strong aroma

  • Hoverflies:

    Attracted by thyme's strong aroma

Enemy Plants

  • Basil, Cilantro & Mint:

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

  • Cucumbers & Peppers:

    Different soil moisture need, and thyme may negatively impact their flavor

Repellents

  • Aphids:

    Because it attracts Lacewings, it reduces aphids through predation.

  • Cabbage worm:

    Repelled by thyme's strong aroma

Best Time to Plant

USDA Hardiness Zones

  • Zone 3:

    April - May (indoors/outdoors)

  • Zone 4:

    April - May (indoors/outdoors)

  • Zone 5:

    March - April (indoors/outdoors)

  • Zone 6:

    March - April (indoors/outdoors)

  • Zone 7:

    March - April (outdoors)

  • Zone 8:

    February - April (outdoors)

  • Zone 9:

    February - April (outdoors)

  • Zone 10:

    December - March (outdoors)

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

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.

  • Salt Curing

    • Duration: Several Months
    • Location: Cool, Dark 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 Sublight
    • 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.