Home

Common Thyme

Herbs
Botanical Name 
Thymus Vulgaris
Family 
Lamiaceae
Other Names 
Garden Thyme
Category 
Perennial Semi-Evergreen
Hardiness Zones 
USDA 5-9
Light Requirements 
Full sun to light shade in very hot climates
Water Requirements 
Average
Warning 
None
Description 

thymeCommon thyme is equally versatile in and out of the kitchen garden and is such a dream to grow. When people who are new to herb gardening ask for suggestions, this is number one on my list. Although it may not be the easiest herb to grow, it isn't difficult and the rewards are many.
It is a low growing, woody, perennial herb categorized as a small shrub. It usually doesn't get much bigger than a foot tall and has tiny, aromatic, dark green leaves.  Our winged friends, particularly bees, are attracted to the small pink to purple blooms that appear in mid spring to early summer. It can be an evergreen through the winter when located in a sunny, well drained location.

Uses 

This herb has a wide variety of culinary applications. Though tiny, the leaves of the thyme plant are very pungent and when dried, retain their flavor better than most herbs. Leaves, flowers, and stems are all edible.

The source of thyme's flavor is thymol which is what gives Listerine its antiseptic quality and it also used in various organic cleaning solutions.  There are several preparations that are believed to have medicinal qualities, least of which are infusions for cough and respiratory infections. (Disclaimer) As always, it is suggested that you discuss any medicinal uses with your doctor.

Thyme is used as a potherb in herb or kitchen gardens, in low decorative borders, containers, rock gardens, in paths and even as a ground cover. It can also act as a repellent for several garden pests when planted as a companion to some of your plants that insects find particularly tasty.

Planting and Propagation 
Planting Depth Plant Height Plant Spacing Days to Germinate Preservation Method
1/4 in 8-12 in. 8 in. 8-20 Drying

You can propagate thyme by dividing, taking cuttings, or from seed. It is fairly popular so you can usually find decent sized starts at nurseries. I have always found it so unbelievably easy to grow from seed that I would rather pay $1.00 for a package of seed than upwards of $2.00-$3.00 apiece for plants.

You can start seed in pots or trays indoors for transplants about six weeks before the last frost.  You can also sow seed directly in the garden in well draining average soil in a sunny spot. Either way, you will want your seed to be planted to a depth of approximately 1/4 of an inch deep with a spread of 4-6 seed per inch. When they are approximately 1 inch tall, thin them to about one plant per 8 inches.

Growing 

Thyme is pretty forgiving of most mistreatment and will thrive in a variety of less than optimal conditions. This makes them perfect for containers and they will even take part shade and the lovely thick clay we have in the Carolinas. They are, however, more likely to be evergreen through zone 7 winters if they are planted in sunny, well drained locations and they barely spread in thick soils. It is hardy in zones 4-8 but may die back during harsh weather only to return when conditions are more favorable.

Harvesting 

You can begin harvesting small sprigs of thyme modestly the first year. You can either clip sprigs to hang in a cool dry place to dry or strip the leaves from the plant to use fresh.

Saving Seed 

It may not be recommended that you do so but you certainly can collect your own thyme seed. And me, I suggest that you try anything once before you knock it.
Having said that, thyme seed matures at different rates from plant to plant and the seeds are very tiny. You'll have to take some care to collect and dry them without losing them.
First, if your plants are wet, the seed is going to stick to the plants and become a mess so you want to make sure the plants are dry. Second, a windy day will make this task frustrating real quick so you'll want to pick a calm day.
To release the seed you can simply shake the plant over a white piece of paper or plain white envelope. Then you will want to spread them out to dry in a cool, dry place preferably in an area where they will not readily be disturbed.

Known Pests and Diseases 

If the health of your plant seems to be declining, check for aphids, spider mites, and whitefly. Over-watering and planting in a poorly draining location can also lead to root rot and assorted fungal infections.

If you do have problems with pests or fungi, you may want to choose organic pesticides and fungicides, especially if there is a chance that this will be used in or on the body.