Thyme

About This Plant...

Family: Labiatae

Genus and species: Thymus vulgaris

Plant type: perennial

Height and width: 2-12 inches high; 10-12 inches wide

Location and soil: sun or partial shade; tolerates poor soil

Uses: fresh or dried leaves in soups, stews, and sauces; meat, fish, and egg recipes; salads and vegetables; flavoring for vinegar

Propagation methods: seeds, division, cuttings, and layering

Indoor Sowing...

Time needed to reach transplant size: 6-10 weeks

When to transplant to garden: 2-3 weeks before last spring frost

Outdoor Sowing...

When to sow outdoors: 2-3 weeks before last spring frost

Other Sowing Guidelines...

Approx. germination time: 21-28 days

Germination temp.: 70 degrees F.

Days to maturity: 70 days

Transplanting Guidelines...

Spacing between plants: 8-12 inches

Spacing between rows: 18 inches

Growing On...

Pests: fungal diseases, root rot

Diseases: spider mites

Harvest: pick fresh leaves as needed; for drying, cut branches before plant flowers, bunch them together, and hang them upside down in a warm, airy place, then remove leaves and store in an airtight jar

Growing tips: pinch back new growth to encourage bushiness

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