How to Grow Thyme

Planting

Thyme thrives in full sun and loves heat. ...
Soil needs to drain well so there aren't “wet feet.” In the garden, plant with other drought-tolerant perennials.
In early spring, you may fertilize with organic matter, like compost, but not much soil amendment is necessary.

Is Thyme easy to grow?
How do you grow thyme successfully?
Does thyme come back every year?
Why is my thyme dying?
Can thyme survive winter?
Should I soak thyme seeds before planting?
Does thyme like full sun?
Does thyme grow in shade?
How much sunlight does thyme need?
How do you harvest thyme without killing the plant?
Can you grow thyme from store bought?
What is thyme good for?

Is Thyme easy to grow?

Easy to grow, thyme needs little care except for a regular light pruning after the first year. Do this after the last spring frost, so that the plants do not get woody and brittle.

How do you grow thyme successfully?

Grow thyme in well-drained soil in full sun. Some varieties of thyme work well planted in gravel gardens, cracks in paving or as an alternative to a lawn. Others do best in pots, which you can bring indoors in autumn. Cut back thyme after flowering and protect tender species in winter.

Does thyme come back every year?

A majority of herbs are perennials throughout most of the United States. That means they come back year after year and usually get bigger or spread in territory each year. Some of our most-used cooking herbs are perennials, including sage, oregano and thyme.

Why is my thyme dying?

The most common reasons for thyme dying are: Thyme has root rot or fungal disease due to consistently damp soil. Thyme that is drooping and turning yellow because of damp soils or excess nitrogen in the soil due to additional fertilizer. Thyme plant that is turning brown, dry and dying back.

Can thyme survive winter?

In areas with cold winters, thyme is considered semi-evergreen, meaning that the plant will retain some of its foliage during winter but not all. Since thyme is a Mediterranean herb, it prefers full sun and well-draining soil. The keys to successful overwintering are good drainage and winter mulch.

Should I soak thyme seeds before planting?

To help speed up germination, soak seeds in warm water for up to 24-hours before planting. Cover seeds with 1/8-inch of soil and keep moist.

Does thyme like full sun?

Thyme thrives in full sun and loves heat. If you are growing in a pot indoors, plant near a sunny window. Soil needs to drain well so there aren't “wet feet.” In the garden, plant with other drought-tolerant perennials.

Does thyme grow in shade?

Thyme. Most varieties of thyme will tolerate part shade. Let the soil slightly dry out between waterings. Try planting it with other flowers and herbs for a fragrant container.

How much sunlight does thyme need?

Well-established thyme plants thrive in the garden when planted in full to partial sun. Plants must receive a minimum six hours of partial sun a day. Full sun reduces excessive moisture in the soil and helps to prevent root rot.

How do you harvest thyme without killing the plant?

Pruning is the best way to harvest thyme. Not only does it allow you to carefully harvest without killing the plant, it also helps your thyme grow more vigorously and produce more flavorful foliage.

Can you grow thyme from store bought?

For cut herbs from the grocery store, it may be possible to get them to develop roots. ... You can keep growing them hydroponically with added food or you can transplant the cuttings once they grow roots and start growing them in soil. Snip leaves as you need them and keep your plants cared for as you would any herb.

What is thyme good for?

Thyme is an herb. The flowers, leaves, and oil are used as medicine. Thyme is sometimes used in combination with other herbs. Thyme is used for swelling (inflammation) of the main airways in the lung (bronchitis), cough, patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), stomach problems, and many other conditions.