Thyme

Light

  • Full Sun
    • 8+ hours of light
    • Does not tolerate shade

Hardiness

  • Zone 5 - 9

Water

  • Requires less than 1 inch of water per week. Wait 7 to 14 days (or longer depending on the climate) after the soil is completely dry before watering again.

  • Water regularly the first 2 - 3 weeks while roots establish, letting the soil dry between watering
  • Assure the soil is evenly watered and soaks deep into the ground
  • Thyme is extremely drought resistant and intolerant to extended periods of wet soil which causes root rot
  • If placing mulch around thyme, leave a clear area 6+ inches in diameter around the stem to avoid fungal infections

Container

  • Perfect for a garden or a 2+ gallon pot

Transplanting

  • Plant between May 20th - June 15th
  • Dig a hole 8 inches deep and 6 inches wide. Plant the seedling's root ball as close to the surface as possible and pack soil loosely around it with your hands.

Spacing

  • Between Plants: 12 - 24 inches
  • Between Rows: 24 - 30 inches

Size

  • Height: 0.5 - 1 foot
  • Width: 6 - 12 inches

Harvest time

  • 70 - 80 days

Soil

  • Poor quality, well-drained and dry soil composition:
    • ¼ drainage and aeration material (perlite or vermiculite)
    • ½ loam (sand and silt. Small amount of clay)
    • ¼ sand
  • Preferred pH: 6.0 - 8.0

Fertilizer

  • Fertilize soil before initially transplanting with 2-3-3 NPK or a small amount of compost
  • Fertilize in the spring every year with 2-3-3 NPK or a small amount of compost

Use

  • Native to the Mediterranean, thyme is a versatile herb used with tomato based sauces, wine sauces, lamb, beef, fish, oil infusions and compound butters. It retains flavor well after drying and can be pressed for aromatic oils. 

Friends

  • Plant next to blueberries, bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, corn, eggplant, green beans, kale, kohlrabi, lavender, lettuce, oregano, potatoes, rosemary, roses, sage, shallots, strawberries, sunflowers, tarragon, tomatoes

Foes

  • DO NOT plant next to basil, cilantro, chives, fennel, mint, parsley

Tips

  • Planting thyme will attract honey bees to help pollinate your plants.
  • Thyme thrives in nutrient poor soils and over fertilizing causes excess foliage to grow. This diminishes the strength of natural oils and reduces the flavor quality.
  • Thyme can be harvested any time after the roots have been established. Simply trim any sprig needed starting from the top. Avoid harvesting more than ⅓ of the plant.
  • A compound called thymol is present in thyme and commonly used in organic pesticides. Planting thyme next to companion plants will help keep pests out of your garden.
  • Methods of drying thyme:
    • Tie stems loosely together and hang upside down in a dry, airy location out of the sun.
    • Spread over a cheesecloth in a dry and shady location.
    • Bake in the oven at the lowest temperature (200 degrees F or less) for 2 - 3 hours.
    • Use a food dehydrator and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Thyme retains full flavor even after it starts to flower.