Growing Organic Common Thyme Herb Garden Seeds
Thyme is a hardy woody perennial that loves hot, dry conditions. A well-loved culinary herb that is widely used both fresh and dried, it is a component in both bouquet garni and herbes de Provence. A must for any herb garden, it is beautiful, productive, and when in bloom attracts bees.
Days to Maturity: Perennial
Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Plant Spacing: 1-2’
Growth Habit: Low and mounded
Soil Preference: Well-drained and fairly dry
Temp Preference: Full sun
Light Preference: Warm
Color: Deep-green leaves with purple flowers
Flavor: Herbaceous, earthy and resinous
Sowing and Growing
Sow seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date. Germination takes from 1 to 2 weeks but is easy to grow from seed indoors. Shrub-like and low-growing, common thyme prefers well-drained soil, a sunny location, and once established, needs little water. Keep lightly clipped to delay flowering. It is worth having several plants because thyme is so pretty in bloom and the bees love it.
Harvesting
You can harvest thyme anytime from well-established plants. Use fresh or hang small bundles to dry for winter use. Strip dry leaves from the stems and store cool and dark. Thyme has many uses. Try it with vegetables and to season chicken. Infuse it in oil or vinegar. Very popular in seasoning meats, and making vegetable dishes more robust.