![]() Whole stems/branches can be clipped and dried whole, or individual leaves can be left to dry in a dark, airy spot for long term storage.Īn all around beneficial plant for the garden, thyme is particularly worth planting near Brassicas, as it repels cabbage moths, and strawberries, as it enhances flavour. Damp, cold soil will kill thyme.įresh thyme leaves can be harvested at any time of the year as long as the plants are established. Protect container-grown plants from cold as winter approaches, and water only as necessary. Trim plants back after flowering to encourage bushy growth. When seedlings are large enough, harden them off and transplant to the garden or to containers, spacing them at 23-38cm (9-15″) apart. Keep watering to a minimum, as thyme seedlings are prone to damping off. Sow the dust-like seeds on the surface of dampened, sterilized seed starting mix under bright light with bottom heat. Ideal soil temperature for germination: 15-21☌ (60-70☏). Thyme is a highly ornamental and colourful herb that deserves its place in the garden let alone for its culinary uses. Transplant out once soil begins to warm, or direct sow late May through June. Unlike basil and other annual herbs, you shouldn’t count on harvesting thyme in the first (or even the second) year, except for very light picking of leaves. What follows are some tips on how to grow thyme from seed.Įnglish or Common Thyme: Thymus vulgaris & Creeping Thyme: T. Thyme leaves can also be dried by spreading them on a cookie sheet for a day or so in a warm dry area.Thyme, like other woody-stemmed herbs, tends to grow very slowly, and benefits from an early start if grown from seed. The stems can be stewed in stock to release their flavor but remember to strain them out. Pick off the leaves or simply run your thumb and index finger down the length of the stem to push off the leaves.Ĭhop the leaves or add them whole to sauces, soups and other dishes. You can start using your thyme as soon as the plant has plenty of foliage. Growing thyme indoors allows you to have a constant ready supply of fresh seasoning. Begin by exposing the potted thyme to a semi-shade location to acclimate it to outdoor light and temperatures. Thyme growing indoors will benefit from relocation to the outdoors in summer. Thyme plants divide easily when repotted to reproduce even more plants. You’ll know it’s time when the roots are growing out of the bottom of the container. Potted Thyme CareĬontainer grown thyme needs to be repotted every season or two depending on the size of the pot and rate of growth. Removal of flowers increases foliage production. Thyme thrives in full sun, so plant them in a very sunny area. Space the seedlings 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) apart. 2 For best results, plant them in soil that is about 70F (21C). Trim off flowers and dry them for a sachet or use them in tea. Plant your thyme seedlings in spring about two to three weeks before the last frost. Water completely each time but allow the pot to dry before watering again.įertilize thyme with a weak solution of fish emulsion or liquid seaweed, diluted by half every two weeks.Ĭut back overly woody stems on the thyme plant to force fresh new growth. Herb care for plants indoors is much the same as for those outdoors. Growing thyme inside will require temperatures in the daytime around 60 F. It also needs to be placed in a window where itll receive a minimum of six hours of indirect light. Once the thyme has been planted, place the container in a southern- or western-facing window if possible. Thyme should be planted in sandy, well-draining soil. The best results will be found when thyme is planted where it receives six hours of daylight. Young thyme plants can be planted in the ground once the soil temperature reaches 70☏ for about a couple of weeks before that last frost. Thyme can tolerate indirect light, which makes it perfect for the kitchen herb garden. The container should have at least one large drainage hole.Ī good mix of sand, potting soil, peat moss and perlite will provide adequate nutrients and drainage. Other types of pots will suffice, but a clay pot will allow the thyme herb to dry out between watering and prevent overly wet roots as thyme isn’t tolerant of soggy root conditions. An excellent container for growing thyme is a clay planter. Thyme is both a culinary and aromatic herb. Growing thyme inside is one of the easiest indoor herbs to cultivate. Growing thyme indoors requires plenty of sunshine and well drained soil. It adds a delicate aroma and almost grassy spice to any dish. What could be better than having the scents and flavors near at hand in the kitchen? Thyme ( Thymus vulgaris) is a useful herb that can be used in a variety of ways. Fresh available herbs are a delight for the home cook.
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