Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Growing it from seed means you plant the seed and treat the seeds until it grows to be a bush of thyme that you can harvest. % of people told us that this article helped them. Simply snip a few stems any time the inspiration to cook with the herb hits. Thyme enjoys full sun best, but it will be happy with a minimum of six hours of dayli… Keeping the fertilizer at half-strength will keep the plant from producing too much foliage, which can dilute its fragrant oils. If you want something a little different from common thyme (T. vulgaris), here are a few varieties often planted: Once established, thyme plants can be harvested at any time, as the leaves' flavor is retained even after flowering. Thyme can be brought at ready-grown plants, but is also easy to grow from seed. Thyme needs water on a regular basis, but do not over-water the plants – this can cause root rot. Before planting in-ground, improve your existing soil by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter. USDA hardiness zones 5-9 are … If you are growing thyme in containers, plant with rosemary which also likes sunny conditions and has similar watering needs. Soil: Plant thyme in well-drained soil with an optimal pH between 6.0 and 8.0. Creeping thyme, woolly thyme, lemon thyme, and hyssop thyme are just four of 300 varieties of thyme that exist. Lemon thyme thrives in climates that are warm and don't have frequent heavy rainfall. Thyme is a perennial Herb that will give you years and years of growth of this delicious and widely used herb. Thyme plants thrive best in full sunlight, likely due to their Mediterranean origins. Easy to grow from seed though germination is slow taking from 14 to 28 days. Remove all but two or three sets of leaves. Did you know you can read answers researched by wikiHow Staff? Thyme needs well-drained soil, a raised bed with a little bit of compost through it is perfect. Once a day or so, remove the plastic bag and let the cutting enjoy some air circulation. Space young plants 12 to 24 inches apart, depending upon the specific variety. Like most herbs, thyme needs bright light to flourish. The plants should grow 6 to 12 inches in height. Others do best in pots, which you can bring indoors in autumn. Clip off a stem that is about 6 inches in length—preferably one that is well established but not too woody. You need to water the plants on a regular schedule, but not often. Use a spade to gently lift the clump of thyme up from the ground. Make sure you don't use a salt based ice melting product on paved areas planted with thyme… Thyme grows best in a warm area that receives at least 6 hours of full sun each day. Thyme thrives in dry, well draining, and gritty soil. Their largest period of growth is throughout the summer months—this is also when you'll notice their flowers in bloom, which will attract bees and various other insects. To grow thyme, start in the spring by purchasing young seedlings from your local nursery, or by taking cuttings from someone else’s thyme to start your own. Plant thyme in spring once chances of frost have passed. Plant each division in its own pot, allowing it to rest a week before watering. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Cover with a light layer of sieved compost and water gently. This article was co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH. Indoors, find a sunny window for your thyme. The last method of growing creeping thyme is via seed. This Southern California Master Gardener provides ‘thymely’ how-to posts and photos, links to informational garden websites, and updates on garden events to help you get growing! This article was co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH. It has yellow, variegated foliage, is great as a garden border, and is an unbelievable herb for cooking. Thyme has no serious problems, but it can develop root rot if planted into soil that holds too much moisture. You can also store your dried thyme in the freezer or preserved in oil or vinegar. Test the pH using a pH tester and make sure it slightly alkaline. Stop cutting thyme about two weeks before this date. Support wikiHow by You can grow thyme directly in your garden, in pots, and even indoors! Outside of the kitchen, growing thyme as a landscaping plant in rock gardens and alongside patios is hugely popular, thanks to its tolerance for dry, hot conditions. Different varieties of thyme have different growing habits—some send up flower stalks, others form mats, and others will cascade. Thyme requires little watering once established; once established thyme grows best in soil that is on the dry side. I also like to grow lemon thyme, but it has a completely different flavour from common thyme, so should not be regarded as a substitute. Planting thyme in the middle of a garden bed, though, can help insulate the roots throughout the winter. Scratch a teaspoon of cottonseed or bonemeal around the base of each plant at the start of the season. Most varieties of thyme are best left alone to grow—the more you fuss with the plant, the less durable it will be. If you're growing a thyme plant indoors, stash it on a sunny windowsill or, even better, in a room that catches a lot of rays throughout the day, such as a sunroom. Thyme plants have no special needs when it comes to temperature and humidity, and can thrive through most months of the year until there is frost (at which point they will go dormant for the winter). Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a low-growing, woody perennial that performs especially well in somewhat dry, sunny conditions. Thyme grows quickly, so space your plants at least 1 foot apart from each other when adding to your garden. Thyme responds well to mulch through the warmer months, but many gardeners, especially those in temperate and cool areas, remove this mulch over the colder months to allow the soil to warm. [1] X Research source Lemon thyme copes much better with drought than with too much rain or cool temperatures. It works equally well in both sweet and savory dishes and is a favorite of many chefs and gardeners. The stems should have plenty of new green growth, but the lower part of the stem can be more mature. He has a Masters in Public Health Nutrition and Public Health Planning and Administration from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. If you want to grow from seed, then do as we told: Sprinkle the seeds slowly on the soil in the container. Thyme doesn't grow very tall like other types of herbs, so it looks nice planted in the foreground of a garden or a container arrangement. Grow thyme in 8-10 inch containers filled with a loose, well draining potting soil. Check an almanac or online to see when the first frost usually occurs in your area. How far apart should I space thyme in the garden? Its tiny gray-green leaves remain evergreen, and most thyme varieties can even be harvested in winter in the zones where it is a perennial. Last Updated: June 10, 2019 He has a Masters in Public Health Nutrition and Public Health Planning and Administration from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. The most popular varieties of thyme are: Common Thyme, Golden King Thyme, Mother of Thyme, Lemon Thyme, and Garden Thyme. Aside from culinary purposes, many gardeners use this herb as a ground cover or border plant. Then, plant the seeds or cuttings 8-12 inches apart in well-draining soil, in a spot that gets full sunlight all day long. Give the plants a good watering when you see the soil around them has gone completely dry. In colder climates, thyme is a hardy perennial, so it will survive the winter and live for several years. The worse your soil is, the better your thyme plant may actually grow. Thyme prefers a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Find a friend in your area with a healthy thyme plant and take a rooted cutting. Thyme can be grown from seeds, plant divisions, or seedlings. How to grow thyme at home. You can also plant it in containers. Thyme as a culinary herb. After six weeks or so, the cutting will develop a root system sufficient enough to allow it to be transplanted into a larger container or into the garden. How to plant and grow thyme Thyme can be grown in pots or in full sun in a garden bed. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. After this date, it may be safe to cut back the thyme. To encourage new growth, prune back the upper stems each spring. A more low maintenance plant you couldn’t wish for! Thyme is also considered to have antiseptic and preservative properties and has long been used medicinally, as well as to preserve meats. Slowly and thoroughly water over the seeds. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Tear or cut a smaller clump of thyme from the main plant, maki… Opting for a clay pot is also helpful, as it can wick away additional moisture from the soil and help create the right environment for your thyme. It produces attractive, aromatic foliage and can thrive in almost any climate. Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is often called garden thyme because it’s the most readily available and has a fresh and tangy aroma for many uses in cooking. Thyme is a very hardy plant, but some potential pests are spider mites and whiteflies. The more you trim and prune your thyme, the more it will grow. Make sure you leave it a little room to grow, as must culinary thymes are spreading. Grow thyme in well-drained soil in full sun. For more tips, like how to harvest your thyme, scroll down! This will help it continue to flourish. In warmer areas (such as USDA zones 10 and higher), it is usually grown as an annual, since it does not survive well in the hot summer. When you’re growing an herb garden indoors thyme will need as much bright, direct light as you can give it. If the soil appears to be too acidic, add a bit of agricultural lime to raise the soil pH. You should wait until the soil is completely dry, then water to saturation, then allow it to dry out again. This article has been viewed 72,744 times. A beloved Mediterranean herb, it holds its taste in cooking and blends well with other flavors of its native region, such as garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes. Companion planting is a gardening strategy of placing different crops together to increase growth and quality. Thyme is a widely adaptable herb, able to be grown in the United States Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 5 through 9. As thyme is very hardy and not fussy about soil, pH or water, simply add some organic matter … By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Use an almanac to check when the last frost usually occurs. For more tips, like how to harvest your thyme, scroll down! If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Thyme seeds are very small, 170,000 to the ounce. Thyme is a hardy, drought-resistant herb. When growing outdoors your plants will need up to 10 hours of direct sun during the day. Treat thyme plants each spring with a diluted all-purpose fertilizer. There are several options, and luckily, thyme is a really easy going plant and will thrive no matter what, as long as you follow these tips. Buy thyme plant seedlings from a nursery. References. Thymus vulgaris or common thyme is the default variety. Soak the ground thoroughly and wait until the soil dries completely before watering your plants again. In the spring or fall, find a mature thyme plant. Thyme is rather difficult to propagate from seeds, so the more common method is to take stem cuttings and root them. Thyme is one of the most precious herbs in the garden. By using our site, you agree to our. Lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus) has small, lemon-scented leaves with varieties that can grow as an upright plant … Andrew Carberry has been working in food systems since 2008. Grow Common Thyme if you live in a climate that gets long periods of heat or lack of rain. Your soil should have a pH between 6.0 (which is slightly acidic) and 8.0 (which is alkaline) to grow thyme. The leaves are small but incredibly flavorful. However, growing thyme from seeds can be difficult because their germination is often sluggish and uneven. It will mature enough to allow for harvest within a few months, then will reliably return year after year in the climate zones where it is hardy. Thyme is a perennial shrub that looks beautiful in any garden due to its striking light purple to pink flowers. If you would like to grow thyme from seeds, follow these steps for growing thyme seeds: Normally, a thyme plant is grown from a division. Place them in a grow tray with quality soil. Thyme, scientific name Thymus vulgaris, is part of the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Additionally, water your plants, but only when the soil around them is completely dry to keep the roots from rotting. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, United States Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones, Thyme, Common Thyme, Garden Thyme, English Thyme. Cover the container with a loosely secured plastic bag to hold in humidity. Thymus vulgaris, common thyme is a shrub-like perennial. Thyme is best grown from plants rather than from seeds. Thyme is a hardy perennial and a Mediterranean herb that prefers drier and sandier environments. As well as common thyme, there is a lemon thyme and various other scents, including camphor thyme, alpine (or basil) thyme and orange. Varieties of Thyme. Andrew Carberry has been working in food systems since 2008. If you are unsure about if your area has the right climate for lemon thyme to thrive, ask at your local gardening center. At this point you may want to start a new batch of seedlings, especially if you cultivate thyme for culinary purposes. Most thyme plants will eventually grow to be 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) in height. Most gardeners suggest buying young thyme seedlings, which you can obtain at any nursery, or take cuttings from someone else’s thyme. Step by step easy to follow instructions showing you how to grow Thyme from seed. These varieties can grow 8-12 inches tall. The aroma, taste, and benefits of this plant justify its global popularity. 5 Tips for How to Grow Thyme 1. You can also grow it with other herbs but choose its companions wisely. Thyme grows quickly, so space your plants at least 1 foot apart from each other when adding to your garden. Sun: Thyme needs a growing area with plenty of sunlight. Easy to grow, and a great addition to any dish, thyme is a favorite or gardeners! Thyme can be planted at almost any time. Too much water will cause root rot. If you enjoy the way the flowers look, allow them to grow freely. If you're planting in a pot instead, choose a larger vessel to allow the thyme to grow into it. Two types include French thyme and English thyme. Thyme is also drought-resistant, so don't fret if you go an extra few days without giving it water. Feeding: Spray foliage with compost tea 2 or 3 times during the growing season. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Avoid planting thyme in soil that is too dense or too rich. unlocking this staff-researched answer. Thyme can be planted as a ground cover, around paving stones, or near a wall, as long as the drainage is good. If you live in a cold climate where the ground usually freezes in the winter, remember to protect your thyme by mulching. Give your thyme a spot in full sun; it handles hot, dry conditions better than cool, damp soil. The easy-going herb prefers sandy or loamy soil instead of moist soil, and can even thrive in rocky gravel. Here’s a complete guide on how to plant, grow, and harvest lemon thyme. [1] X Research source The most popular va… This will deliver the minimal nutrients thyme requires all year long, as well as protect the plants from frost once winter arrives. Seeding best started indoors in a flat where temperature can be kept around 70°. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Keep reading to learn how to grow thyme in your garden and reap the rewards of this flavorful herb! When trimming off sprigs, always try to leave behind at least five inches of growth on the plant. Thyme seeds are difficult to germinate and can take a long time to sprout. Regular trimming will also make your plants grow in a more rounded shape. In the garden, plant thyme near cabbage or tomatoes . Set the container in a location with bright indirect light and keep the soil moist until new growth begins. Some varieties of thyme work well planted in gravel gardens, cracks in paving or as an alternative to a lawn. Thyme itself has tens of varieties, but there are just two most common ways to grow it. After that, keep the area around your plants weeded, or spread mulch to control the weeds. Thyme will grow happily in many climates, and especially likes to be covered with a blanket of snow in the winter. Place in a propagator to germinate. Lemon thyme is a specific variety that has a beautiful, lemony fragrance. The thyme plant can be grown from seed, but frequently people choose to avoid growing thyme seeds. Start the seeds indoors prior to the final frost date. Plant them in a sunny, exposed spot in your garden, or in decorative planters that can be moved around throughout the day to chase the light. Cut back thyme after flowering and protect tender species in winter. Plant thyme at the right time Space thyme plants about one foot apart. More on growing thyme: Successful gardens happen when the right plant is planted in the right place at the right time! Beyond this, there is a huge range of cultivars to choose from. All varieties of thyme are easy to grow, either out in your garden or in pots. Thyme can be propagated from the division of mature plants. If you're planting in a pot instead, choose a larger vessel to allow the thyme to grow into it. Keep the seeds evenly watered where they’ll receive adequate warmth and light. Plant the cutting in a container filled with ordinary potting soil mixed with sand or perlite. Space thyme plants 12 to 24 inches apart in a very sunny area with fertile, well-drained soil with a pH close to 7.0. Go for the leaf and flower colour that appeals to you. In early spring, you may fertilize with organic matter, like compost, but not much soil amendment is necessary. Where: Thyme loves to grow in full sun but doesn’t mind partial shade either. Marie Iannotti is an author, photographer, and speaker with 27 years of experience as a Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener, 5 Great Herbs to Grow in Sunny Hanging Baskets, 6 Beautiful Herbs For Gardens and Containers. Growing thyme isn't difficult, if you can give it the right type of soil, and stay away from the watering can. Thyme is a hardy, perennial, evergreen herb that is perfect for those winter stews and soups. In early spring fill small pots with seed sowing compost and scatter a few seeds lightly over the surface. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 72,744 times. Plant the cutting or transplant in average soil with a handful of course sand or fine gravel. Blend equal parts all-purpose potting mix and sharp sand or perlite, or use a cactus-potting mix. One ounce needed to plant one acre. Quick Guide to Growing Thyme. Cover the seeds with plastic sheets, and keep the container in a warm and light place. Thyme is an ancient herb used in cooking and gardening. More varieties are available as plants than from seed; some are frost hardy and evergreen, others more tender. To do so, remove the mother plant from its pot, teasing apart the root ball and stems until you form two or more smaller plants. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Grow-Thyme-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Thyme-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Grow-Thyme-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1316436-v4-728px-Grow-Thyme-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"