Thyme Garden Guide

Thyme Stat Summary

Plant Spacing: 18-24" (457-609 mm)
Row Spacing: 24-36" (609-914 mm)
Planting Depth: 1/4" (6 mm)
Plants Per Person: 2
Soil Temperature: 60-80°F (16-27°C)
Days to Emergence: 10-18
Recommended Soil PH: 6.5-7.0
Seed Indoors: 8 weeks before transplanting
Earliest Outdoor Planting: Around Last Frost
Can direct seed outdoors
Can seed indoors

Planting Thyme

Thyme flourishes in full or partial sun and in poor to rich, lean, slightly acidic soil that is light and loamy. However, thyme will tolerate almost any setting since it is very hardy.

You can grow thyme from either seed, stem-tip cuttings, crowns, or purchased plants. Seed germination is unpredictable and erratic and to get optimum results plant the seeds indoors in early spring.

Ideally thyme is propagated through division or cuttings. Plant cuttings just below the surface of moist potting soil and the roots grow easily.

Growing Thyme

Thyme is very hardy and will grow in most conditions. Thyme needs little fertilization unless the soil is very poor. Thyme is also drought resistant and ideal for xeriscaping. Weed control is essential, especially early on as the plants grow slowly and can be overwhelmed by the faster growing weeds.

Harvesting and Storing Thyme

Thyme can be picked throughout the season but for optimal yield and taste you should pick it just before it flowers in mid summer. If you are growing it as a perennial you should then let the majority of the second growth remain otherwise it could compromise the plant during winter. If it is meant as an annual then you can continue to harvest the second growth as needed.

Thyme Insect and Disease Information

Thyme is immune to most diseases but is occasionally bothered by whitefly and spider mites. If the soil is too moist the roots can also begin to rot.

Thyme Yield Information

No yield information for Thyme.