How to grow Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

Plants will become woody with age and the best leaves are on new growth. Trim back the woody stems lightly to promote new growth or harvest regularly. Plants will need replacing after a few seasons (about 3 years) to maintain flavour. Pieces of the plant may die off if not regularly trimmed 2.

Thyme’s roots grow quite deep, so the prepared bed should be deeply dug, with a light dressing of compost 2.

Can be successfully propagated by layering 2.
Easily roots from soft wood cuttings in the early spring or summer

Growing Thyme from seed

Germinates best at 15 to 20C, cover only with a sprinkling of fine compost. Sow seeds directly once the soil has warmed up in the late spring

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 11.7 inches (30.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.04 inches (0.1 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 21°C / 70°F to ensure good germination.

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

Transplanting Thyme

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

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Thyme is a hardy plant.

Harvesting Thyme

Harvest leaves throughout the summer as needed. Snip off with scissors and free the leaves by pulling the stem backwards through your finger and thumb

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.

Seed Saving Thyme

Seed viability is three years.

How long does Thyme take to grow?

These estimates for how long Thyme takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Thyme to germinate?
6 days

Average 6 days | Min 1 days | Max 19 days (293)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Thyme?
+ 38 days

Average 38 days | Min 3 days | Max 97 days (31)

Days to Maturity How long until Thyme is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ 85 days

Average 85 days | Min 9 days | Max 222 days (25)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Thyme?
= 129 days

When should I plant Thyme?

Our when to plant Thyme estimates are relative to your last frost date.

When to sow The number of days to sow Thyme before or after your last frost date.
42 days before Last Frost Date

Thyme Etymology

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

Thyme Folklore & Trivia

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

Other names for Thyme

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

Thymus vulgaris L., Thymus collinus, Origanum thymus

Misspellings: Tyme, Thime, Time

Footnotes

1 Old Wives’ Tales, Folklore, Myths and Legends

2 :Growing Herbs with Margaret Roberts; First published 1985


< Previous Plant Guide

Soybean

Next Plant Guide >

Japanese Anemone