Thyme: Planting, Growing, and Harvesting

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Planting

It's hard to grow thyme from seeds because of slow, uneven germination. It's easier to buy the plants or take some cuttings from a friend.
For a head start, plant the seeds/cuttings indoors 6 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost.
Plant the seeds/cuttings 2 to 3 weeks before the last spring frost in well-drained soil about 9 inches apart. For best growth, the soil should be about 70ºF.
The plants should grow 6 to 12 inches in height.
In the garden, plant thyme near cabbage.

Care

Water normally and remember to trim the plants.
Prune the plants back in the spring and summer to contain the growth. You can take some cuttings and plant them indoors in pots, too.
If you have cold winters, remember to lightly mulch around the plants after the ground freezes.

Pests

Gray mold
Root rot

Harvest/Storage

Throughout the summer, leaves and sprigs can be harvested at any time.
To dry the sprigs, hang them in a dark, well-ventilated, warm area. You can also just dry the leaves by placing them on a tray. Once dried, store them in an airtight container.
Freezing is another method of storage.

Recommended Varieties

Lemon thyme, for a hint of lemon
Caraway thyme, for a nice fragrance of caraway and thyme

Recipes

Wit & Wisdom

Burning thyme gets rid of insects in your house.

Comments

Creeping Thyme

Submitted by Laura D Snyder

I was told that what has become quickly spreading shrubs were Creeping Thyme. It flowers more than Thyme plants I've seen at nurseries. It it usable as an herb?

Creeping Thyme

Submitted by Anonymous

I grew creeping thyme by mistake. It's a lush and hardy plant, but it lacks the essential oils you need as a culinary plant. No odor, no taste.

kills bacteria in enclosed

Submitted by Starla Adams

kills bacteria in enclosed homes when boiled as a tea it prevents and cures sinus infections add lemon and honey to activate the c and high iron content.