Edible parts are the leaves and flowers.
Aromatic leaves season meats, poultry, stews, sauces, soups and dressings. Handsome low-growing plants. Start early indoors.
| Plant Types: | Herb, Interior Plant, Perennial |
| Light: | Partial Shade to Full Sun |
| Height: | 6 inches to 1 foot |
| Width: | 1 foot 4 inches |
| Zones: | 5a to 8b |
| Bloom Color: | Lavender |
| Bloom Seasons: | Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer |
| Leaf Color: | Green, Variegated, Yellow |
| Special Features: | Attractive foliage, Deer resistant, Edible, Fragrant foliage, Not North American native |
| Shape: | Rounded |
| Fertilizer: | Horticultural Lime, Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food |
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Easily propagated from stem cuttings or divisions. Cuttings should be taken in early summer. Sow seeds in spring, but provide cold protection if frost is still a threat. Or start seedlings indoors.
How to harvest Thyme depends on how you want to use the herb. If you want to use fresh Thyme, remove the fresh leaves from the stems and use as you wish. If you plan on using dried leaves, snip handfuls of stems from the plant, clump them together and hang them upside down. Leave the clumped stems in an area that receives good air circulation and that is relatively dark.
For both methods harvest in the morning before it gets warm. This will result in the most aromatic herbs.
Thyme, like many members of the Mint family, does well with full sun but could use partial shade in the hottest of climates.
Flowers are small and white that are clumped in whorls.
Attracts bees.
Soil should be light and well-draining. Soil pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline.
Prune in spring to maintain a compact appearance. Lightly prune after the flowers are spent if further shaping is needed or desired.
Susceptible to Botrytis.