Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
Thyme is a hardy, low-growing perennial herb that thrives in dry, sunny conditions and poor soil. It is essentially maintenance-free once established, producing aromatic leaves year-round and attractive flowers in summer valued by pollinators. Cutting back after flowering prevents the plant becoming woody and keeps growth compact.
Key facts
- Family
- Lamiaceae (Mints)
- Category
- Herb
- Sowing window
- Mar–May
- Sowing depth
- 5 mm
- Watering
- low
- Frost sensitivity
- low
- Days to maturity
- Approx 14 weeks from seed to first harvest
- Harvest window
- Apr - Oct
Sowing notes
- -Cuttings or division are more reliable than seed
- -Surface sow lightly if growing from seed - needs warmth (18°C+)
- -Perennial - establish once and harvest for years
- -Cut back hard after flowering to prevent excessive woodiness
Varieties
Common thyme is the standard culinary thyme used throughout European cooking, producing small, highly aromatic grey-green leaves on woody stems. It is a tough, drought-tolerant perennial that thrives in poor, well-drained soil and full sun. A single plant can provide more than enough for most households.
Lemon thyme has the same culinary uses as common thyme but with a bright citrus fragrance that makes it particularly good with fish, chicken, and desserts. The variegated form has attractive gold-edged leaves. It is slightly less hardy than common thyme but equally easy to grow in a well-drained, sunny spot.
Issues & threats
Wilting
EnvironmentalPlants are drooping or losing vigour. Most commonly caused by water stress but can also indicate root damage, vascular disease, or heat scorch. Identifying the cause quickly is important as some causes are serious.
Poor germination
EnvironmentalSeeds are emerging unevenly or not at all. Usually caused by soil temperature being too low, seeds sown too deep, poor seed-to-soil contact, or old seed stock.
Damping off
Fungal diseasePythium spp. / Phytophthora spp.
Young seedlings collapse at or just below soil level, caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in overwatered, poorly ventilated growing conditions. Can spread rapidly through a seed tray.
Yellowing leaves
EnvironmentalLeaves are turning yellow, which can indicate a range of problems including nutrient deficiency, overwatering, disease, or natural senescence. Identifying whether the pattern is upper or lower leaves, whole leaves or between veins, is key to diagnosis.
Stunted growth
EnvironmentalPlants are significantly smaller or slower to develop than expected. May be caused by poor soil, nutrient deficiency, root restriction, compaction, pest damage to roots, or disease.
Chewing damage
PestGeneral chewing damage from an unidentified pest, leaving holes or missing leaf sections. May be caused by caterpillars, beetles, or other insects. Inspect at dusk to identify the culprit.
Sap-sucking pests
PestGeneral sap-feeding pest activity causing weakened or distorted growth. May be caused by aphids, whitefly, scale insects, or other sucking insects. Inspect leaf undersides and growing tips to identify the pest.