How to grow Thyme?
- Latin Family: Lamiaceae
- Latin Genus: Thymus
- Ease of Growing: Moderate
- Growing Type: Perennial
Thyme is a culinary and medicinal herb known for its strong flavors. Thyme is in the mint family.
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Thyme History
Ancient Egyptians used Thyme for embalming, and ancient Greeks used it in their baths and as incense. It was believed to be a sense of courage, and women would give thyme to knights and warriors. During the Middle Ages it was used under pillows to help ward off nightmares.
Soil Preference
- PH (min/max): 6.5 - 8.5
- PH Ideal (min/max): 6.5 - 7.0
Thyme can grow in most soils, but performs best in well-drained soil with moderate nutrients. Soil which is too rich will cause the plant to get leggy and lose its compact shape. It will grow in very shallow soil where few other plants will grow.
How to care for Thyme?
Thyme is an easy crop to grow, and requires little care. If Thyme starts to get woody cut it back to within a couple of inches of the ground and it will regenerate. You can also dig it up, divide it and replant the most vigorous pieces.
Water
Thyme is quite drought tolerant so only needs an occasional watering once established.
Fertilizer
Thyme will grow well in poor soil and doesn't need much fertilization.
Seeds
Seed Viability: 3 - 4 years
When flowers are dry, crush them in a bag or over a bowl. Be sure to collect seeds before they fall from the plant.
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily
It does best in full sun, but will tolerate some shade.
Conditions:Cool, Warm, Hot
Season:Short Season, Long Season
Storage
Thyme is good fresh or dried. It is a traditional ingredient of “Fines Herbes”, and Bouquet Garni.
Storage Req: Dry
Storage Temp: 50-70°F
Storage Length: 1-180 days
Problems
Root Rot
Soil must be well drained or Root Rot will be a big problem.
Thyme Types
- Thyme
Thyme is a culinary and medicinal herb known for its strong flavors.
Pests
- Aphids
- Spider Mites
- Whiteflies
- Cabbage Looper
- Cabbageworms
- Caterpillars
- Deer
- Scales
Diseases
- Gray Mold Botrytis Fruit Rot
- Rust
- Alternaria Blight
- Root Rot
