Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
Also known as
Garden Thyme, Tiemie (Afr.)
THYMUS VULGARIS - AGUDA - IB-910 (Timó) by Isidre blanc (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Light watering
Frost Hardy
8a
USDA zone
-12°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Thyme
Thyme Overview
Thymus vulgaris is known by a few names including Garden Thyme, Common Thyme or just Thyme. It is a bushy, dwarf shrub from the Lamiaceae family. Grown for the aromatic leaves, they are small and coloured dark grey-green. The leaves can be harvested and dried throughout the year. Flowers are arranged on terminal spikes in whorls, they are white or pink in colour, appearing in the summer. With such a wide variety of uses, it's a must-have for the herb garden. Thyme was used by the Egyptians for embalming, as incense by the early Greeks, and to ward off nightmares or as a gift during the Middle Ages. Today it is one of the most popular herbs to grow, especially because it is grown as a perennial, so it doesn't have to be replanted each year. It has culinary, medicinal and cosmetic uses and is also used as an insect repellant.
Common problems with Thyme
Thyme Companion Plants
How to propagate Thyme
Cuttings
Cuttings may be taken in late spring. Take thyme cutting at a node on the stem at a point where the leaves attach. Plant in moist soil and keep damp until settled in.
Division
Divide roots during spring. Divide the little bush into smaller sections and make sure that each section has roots attached.
Seed
Sowing time best during spring and summer. Sowing depth should be 4-6 mm and germination time takes between 15-20 days.
Special features of Thyme
Repels harmful insects
Keeps mosquitoes away.
Indoor plant
Choose a high light intensity spot.
Drought resistant
Once established can survive on small amounts of water.
Pot plant
Make a good companion for fruit trees in huge pots or keep in the kitchen windowsill to use while cooking.
Attracts bees
Bees are attracted to the flowers.
Attractive leaves
Attractive flowers
Other uses of Thyme
Border, ground cover, containers
Medicinal
Antiseptic (often used in mouthwashes like Listerine), antifungal and used for coughs and bronchitis.
Edible
Used fresh or dried in almost all savoury dishes. Especially to enhance the flavour of chicken or lamb dishes.
Deer Resistant Plants
Although never fully deer proof - they are less likely to eat these.
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