Indoors: Carefully scatter thyme seeds on top of damp sterilized seed starting mix. The exception is creeping thymes being planted between small gaps in walkways and between stones, where transplanting into the space may not be feasible.Įxpect germination of thyme seeds to be slow and uneven, generally taking 2 – 4 weeks for thyme seeds to sprout. Thyme seeds are really tiny, and are generally best started indoors. Although some thyme varieties can be grown from seed, thyme grows very slowly and seedlings take a long time to get to transplant size. Many thyme varieties are available only as young nursery plants. Thyme is generally purchased as young plants in small pots, or started from cuttings or divisions of existing plants. Thyme is generally an easy herb to grow outdoors, and can be challenging to grow indoors. And most thymes will bloom in the summer with masses of tiny white, pink or pale purple flowers. You can find thymes with a creeping, mounding, or upright growth habit, growing anywhere from 2″ high to 12″ high. Thyme is found in a variety of shapes, sizes and scents. Thyme is a wonderful herb to grow in edible landscapes. Of note, Purple Carpet Lemon thyme is especially winter hardy, claimed to survive zone 2 winters ❄️ Hardiness varies somewhat based on the thyme variety, so it’s always good to check before purchasing. Most thymes are hardy between zones 5 – 9. Thyme tends to be a shorter-lived perennial herb (about 5 years). In colder climates, thyme will lose some of its leaves over the winter. Thyme is woody perennial native to the temperate climate of the Mediterranean, and many stay evergreen through the winter. Thyme is a versatile aromatic herb popularly grown in many kitchen and herb gardens, as well as in ornamental gardens, planters and hanging baskets. I hope these notes cover any questions you may have on growing this delicious versatile herb in your gardens □ Harvest just before flowering for the best flavor.Here are my notes for growing thyme successfully. Strip the leaves off the sprigs for cooking and drying. Harvest to shape the plant and stimulate new growth. Harvest stems (sprigs) as needed once the plant’s established. If the center of thyme or oregano plants dies out or the plant gets too woody, in spring dig and divide the plant to stimulate new growth. Cut back plants by one-third in spring to stimulate less woody, new growth. Cover plants in cold winter areas with bark mulch and remove the mulch in spring. Some thyme varieties will self sow readily and you’ll need to thin out seedlings in spring. Stop pinching the foliage one month before frost in order for the plants to properly harden off. Pinch off flowers if growing mostly for the leaves. Pinch back young plants to promote bushiness. Don’t grow these on highly fertile soils or the flavor will be reduced. Grow them in raised beds if you have heavy clay soil. They don’t tolerate wet soils and will rot easily. Plant thyme and oregano transplants outdoors after all danger of frost has passed in well drained, gravely, slightly alkaline soil in full sun. It’s easier to purchase thyme and oregano plants than to start the seeds indoors. Thyme and oregano also grow well in containers. ![]() ![]() Grow thyme under open canopy trees, such as crape myrtle, as a ground cover. Plant thyme along a walkway with other low growing creeping flowers such as alyssum. Plant thyme and oregano in a rock garden with other creeping herbs such as prostrate rosemary. ‘Golden’ oregano has golden colored leaves and a pink flower. ![]() Most oregano plants have silver-green leaves and white flowers. The most flavorful and common type of oregano to grow is Greek oregano ( Oreganum vulgare). ‘German Winter ‘ thyme is the most cold tolerant citriodorus) has golden leaves and a bright lemony fragrance. Common thyme ( Thymus vulgaris) is most commonly used for cooking. Most thyme has silver-green small leaves and pink or white flowers. Creeping thyme, in particular, can take some foot traffic and still thrive. Plant them along walkways, between stepping stones in a path, along the edge of a flower border, in rock gardens, or in containers where the fragrance can be appreciated. Most thyme and oregano varieties are hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9. They are both beautiful plants with white or pink flowers Both herbs compliments fish, meat, cheese and vegetables featuring beans and squash well. Thyme leaves have fragrances such as lemon, orange and nutmeg depending on the selection. Oregano offers that robust flavor we associate with pasta sauces. While rosemary and basil get lots of press, don’t forget the low growing, perennial herbs, such as thyme and oregano. When it comes to flavoring recipes, Mediterranean herbs are some of the most popular.
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