This pretty and flavorful herb garden staple can double as a low-growing groundcover.
This tough and ruggedperennialoften forms dense mats of foliage that are topped with attractive blossoms.
Some low-growing thyme varieties can be used as a lawn substitute.
Credit:Peter Krumhardt
Many cooks plant thyme near the kitchen so they can easily snip a stem or two when cooking.
Thyme also makes a good container plant.
Let the key in of thyme be your guide on where to plant it.
Credit: Denny Schrock
For culinary thyme, choose a convenient spot close to the kitchen.
Ornamental thyme varieties work well as an edging or border plant for perennial beds lining a patio or walkway.
They are ideal for rock gardens and beautifully cascade down a stone wall.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Mass plantings make a lovely scented groundcover that can even serve as a lawn substitute.
Place the plant in the hole and fill in original soil to the top of the root ball.
Gently tamp down the soil and water it well.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Keep it watered in the absence of rain until the plant is established.
Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart depending on the variety.
Thyme Care Tips
Thyme requires very little to no maintenance.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Light
Thyme needs ample sunlight.
It grows best in soil with apHbetween 6.0 and 8.0.
Once established, thyme is a drought-tolerant plant and will not require much supplemental watering.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Temperature and Humidity
Thyme thrives in warm, dry summer weather.
Many varieties are also cold-hardy and can survive subzero winter temperatures.
In very hot summer weather combined with extreme humidity, the plants can decline.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Climates with mild and damp winters are also not good growing conditions for thyme.
Fertilizer
There is no need to fertilize thyme.
Excess fertilizer can weaken the plant and render culinary thyme rather flavorless.
Credit: Gary Palmer
Pruning
Thyme becomes woody with age so its needs some rejuvenating.
Keep in mind that, unlike thyme in the garden, a potted plant needs regular watering.
This can damage or kill the plant.
Credit: Gary Palmer
Pests and Problems
Thyme is not commonly affected by serious pests and diseases.
Occasionally you might find aphids or spider mites on the plants.
In wet soils, the plants can get root rot.
confirm each section has a good amount of roots attached to it.
Plant the sections at the same depth as the original plant and keep them well-watered until they are established.
To propagate thyme by layering, select a few stems long enough to easily bend down to the ground.
Remove the leaves and entirely cover the stems with soil.
Gently tamp down the soil and water it lightly.
Keep it evenly moist.
Transplant it into a pot or to a new location in the garden.
Harvesting
The best time toharvest thymeis in the morning, just after the dew has dried.
Let thyme dry fully in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Then store it in an airtight container in a dark, cool place.
It grows 2-3 inches tall and 8-12 inches wide.
It requires full sun and excellent drainage to perform well in the garden.
‘Elfin’ Thyme
This miniature thyme is a cultivar of Thymusserpyllum, commonly called wild thyme.
It grows just 1-2 inches tall and gradually spreads to 8-12 inches wide.
Lilac-purple flowers are produced in early summer.
It has an upright, bushy growth habit and reaches 12 to 18 inches in height.
Varigated Lemon Thyme
Thymusxcitriodorus’Variegata' is a beautiful edible ornamental.
When mature, the plants can grow 16 inches tall and wide.
Gold Lemon Thyme
Golden-edged, lemony-flavored leaves serve up bold flavor forThymusxcitriodorus’Aureus'.
The plant has a mounding, bushy growth habit and grows about 12 inches tall.
‘Spicy Orange’ Thyme
This low-growing cultivar ofThymus x citriodorusis tough enough to withstand foot traffic.
The needle-like foliage is aromatic with a light orange scent and flavor.
It has pink flowers in summer and grows 12 inches tall and wide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thyme planted in garden soil has a lifespan of 4 to 6 years.
Yes, thyme can begrown indoors year-round.
Plenty of sunlight is key to successfully growing it as a houseplant.
