Thyme  

Plants will become woody with age and the best leaves are on new growth. Trim the bushes lightly to promote new growth or harvest regularly. Plants will need replacing after a few seasons.

Germinates best at 15 to 20C, cover only with a sprinkling of fine compost

By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Thyme about 42 days before your last frost date .

Although winter hardy, plant our young plants after frost has passed, in a well drained and sunny position

To preserve thyme for winter use, you can either dry or freeze it.

Air drying Thyme: To dry thyme without a dehydrating machine, simply hang upside-down in small bunches in a cool, dark place. check that they are ready by crumbling a little in your fingers – if ready put into small airtight jars to keep until use.

Freeze drying Thyme: pack ice cube trays with thyme leaves and then cover with hot water (the hot water should blanch the thyme quickly and keep the colour nice and green). Place in the freezer for at least 24 hours, then place in freezer bags and store to defrost when required. Alternatively, blend thyme leaves in a food processor with oil to a smooth paste consistency, then pour into ice cube trays. After 24 hours, remove from the trays and place into freezer bags and store frozen until required.

These plants have been known to grow well alongside Thyme so consider planting:

These plants will not grow well with Thyme so avoid planting these within close proximity:

These problems, diseases and pests are known to affect Thyme plants:

Aphids on young growth

The name Thymus derives from the Greek thyo, to perfume. The botanical epithet is from the Latin vulgaris meaning “common”

Thyme contains about 1% volatile oil including the active contituents carvacrol and thymol. It is these phenolic compounds that are responsible for its medicinal properties as an antiseptic, antitussive and expectorant. The oil is also used in the perfume industry and in aromatherapy

wear some thyme and it will be sure to bring you a sweetheart¹

French thyme, English thyme, Irish Thyme, Mountain thyme, Wild thyme, Common thyme, Garden thyme, German thyme, Winter thyme, Tymián

Thymus vulgaris L.

Misspellings: Tyme, Thime, Time

Our when to plant Thyme estimates are relative to your last frost date. Enter your frost dates and we'll calculate your sowing and planting dates for you!

¹ Old Wives’ Tales, Folklore, Myths and Legends