There’s a spot for flexible thyme in almost every garden. Based on the number, it may spread out into its heart’s content as a ground cover, sprawl over a wall, tuck neatly into a small corner, edge a garden using a row of rounded small shrubs or settle nicely into a container. It grows readily in many zones, living as an evergreen perennial in most the more extreme climates, such as those that are very cold or hot and humid. Its white, lavender and pink blossoms attract pollinating bees, and that other edibles will appreciate.
No herb garden is really complete without thyme. For many gardeners and cooks, this has generally meant “common thyme,” known botanically as Thymus vulgaris, but other varieties are rapidly gaining in popularity. Foliage and flowers vary from species to species, so it is possible to select to plant each the exact same or mix and match for a mixed look on your landscape.
Notice: Not many thymes are recommended for culinary use. Be sure to inspect the number if you want one to use in the kitchen.
Andrea Meyers
Light demand: Full sun
Water requirement: Little once established
Where it will grow: Thyme grows readily in many zones, living as a evergreen perennial in most but the extreme climates, like Those that are very cold or hot and humid
Prime growing season: Spring through fall; might die back in midsummer if overly hot and humid
When to plant: Early spring; also fall in warm-winter climates
Favorites: Caraway, Common (English), French, Lemon, Lime, Mother of Thyme, Orange, Silver
PC Landscape Architects & Associates, Clinton
Planting and care: You can start from seeds, but seedlings or transplants are often simpler to grow and are simple to discover. Select a sunny site. Thyme does well in dry, weak, slightly alkaline soil, but needs excellent drainage. For containers, select a pot.
Place plants out approximately 6 inches to a foot apart. Water regularly to establish them, then only as needed to prevent them from drying out. There’s no need to fertilize.
Problems are rare. You might find the occasional spider mite or ant infestation. Root rot and nematodes might be a problem where climates are hot and humid.
Pinching or cutting back the tips and blossoms are the simplest ways of keeping plants neat and healthy and encouraging new growth. Prune back more badly in spring after the last frost and again in mid- to late summer if crops become overgrown. You are able to cut the plant back to about a third its size, taking good care to make the cuts over the new expansion.
In coldest climates, cover or protect in winter. Thyme frequently reseeds freely. The plants may present their age after a few years, so you might choose to substitute them.
Harvest: Cut the tips and the blossoms when Required.
Paintbox Garden
More: The best way to grow longer herb garden essentials