Growing Thyme

On top of that it is one of the most useful herbs for the kitchen. Thyme reaches a height of 30 cm (12in) and is best suited either to the rock garden or the front of a border. Sometimes it is grown between paving stones; it is highly aromatic and when trodden on its scent is intensified. 

A native of Southern Europe, thyme is now grown the world over from Africa to Russia - it proves it's versatility and it certainly deserves a place in your garden.

Where To Grow Thyme
Thyme likes a well-drained light soil, it should not be too rich in nutrients which will only make the plant 'leggy' and loose its compact shape. Being a native of the Mediterranean it needs a place in full sun.

Propagation of Thyme

Thyme can be propagated in a variety of ways - seed, root division and from cuttings. The best way if you have no existing plants is to grow from seed - this will however take about a year. The best way for speed is to grow from root division. Cuttings are not really recommended. On the left is Lemon Scented thyme.

Roots should be divided in April using plants three or four years old. Dig up the plant, clear away as much soil as possible from the roots and gently tear the the plant into three or four pieces. The pieces (each should have a portion of root and foliage) can then simply be planted in the ground and left to grow. They should be ready for moderate harvesting in early July time.

Seed should be sown in March time in normal potting compost. Because the seeds are so fine, only cover them very lightly with the compost. Place them in a warm place, 16C (60F), and the seedlings will emerge in week or so. When the plants are about 10cm (4in high) and the danger of all frost has passed, they can be moved outside to their final position (harden them off first). They have a spread of about 30cm (12in) and should be spaced at this distance apart. Harvest only very, very lightly (if at all) in the first year.

Care of Thyme
Thyme requires very little attention - water only in very dry conditions and feed sparingly. A good mulch with organic matter in October time will help protect them from severe frost and will also provide most of their feeding needs. If organic matter is not available, a handful of bonemeal per plant in mid-May and July will meet their needs.

Thyme will start to become woody and produce fewer leaves after three or four years, and at this stage, the plant should be separated (as described in propagation above) and replanted.  Harvesting can occur all year round, although the best flavour is in the months of mid-June and mid-July. In winter the plants stop growing, so harvest only lightly. The thyme sprigs can be frozen or dried - both methods retain the original flavour.

Thyme 'Silver Posie'

Thyme is virtually free of pests and disease, although they are occasionally attacked by greenfly. 

Container Growing Thyme
Thyme is an excellent plant for growing in containers and requires no particular attention. Water to keep the compost moist, and feed with liquid plant food every two weeks from April to August. 

Recommended Thyme Varieties
Choosing a variety of thyme is a matter of personal taste. However, for starters, shown below are a few tried and trusted varieties, all of which can be bought online by clicking ().

Golden-scented Thyme (Thymus pulegioides) - slightly lemon scented thyme, great for cooking and with lavender coloured flowers.
Garden Thyme Thymus vulgaris - the original thyme used for flavouring. Grown for hundreds of years.
Thyme Thymus serpyllum - ground cover thyme, great for cooking and great for ground cover.

END OF THYME ARTICLE

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