How to Grow Thyme

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By e-Rambler
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Roast pork with thyme

There are over 300 varieties of thyme, about 50 of which are grown for their culinary value. They are evergreen, low growing hardy perennial herbs that bloom from late spring to mid-summer, with small white, yellow, pink or purple flowers.

Freshly harvested thyme have pungent and aromatic qualities, no wonder it has earned a place in cooks' gardens.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Thyme starters, seed
Mulch
Potting soil
Gardening tools
Gloves
Water
Glass jar or similar container (optional)
Garden, yard, window box, windowsill, planter

Step 1

Thyme

Select a location with full sun, well-drained and sandy soil. Lighten the soil with organic material if your site soil is heavy. If you plan to use thyme as landscape ornamental plant consider creeping varieties which work well as borders. The creeping varieties also do well in rock gardens.
Step 2

Harvested thyme

It is difficult growing thyme from seed because of slow germination (at least three weeks). It is better either purchase starter plants from a nursery or through divisions from an established plant.

If you are growing from seed, it should be sown in the soil in late autumn or about two weeks before the last frost in your area.

If transplanting starters, move the seedlings into the garden after the last frost of spring. Plant thyme 8-inches of space apart from one another. Water once a week and allow the soil to dry out between watering. Most established plants can grow up to 18" in height.
Step 3

Mulch your thyme after the ground freezes in cold winters to protect from frost damage. A pine needle, leaf or bark mulch are good choices.
Step 4

Trim back the plant by 50% after blossoming has finished to help maintain a strong flavor in the leaves.
Step 5

Thyme blossom

Harvest sprigs preferably in the morning because they contain highest concentration of oils (flavor) at this time.

Cut sprigs and wash in cold water then spread them out on a rack or hang them upside down in a dark place. It will take about three days for sprigs to dry. Once dry, strip the leaves off the stems then store in a glass jar or similar container.

Thyme leaves can be picked year round using fresh for food flavoring and cooking.