Thymus vulgaris (Common Thyme) is a popular culinary herb that is native to southern Europe and northern Africa. Thyme is widely grown for its aromatic, green leaves that are used in kitchens around the world. It is also a medicinal herb that has powerful antiseptic qualities and is used in teas to assist with colds and sore throats.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical Climates.
Thymus vulgaris is also sometimes called German Thyme, Garden Thyme or simply just Thyme. It can also be useful in the garden when used as a groundcover or companion plant.
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Growth
Thymus vulgaris is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to a height of up to 30cm (12 inches) by around 40cm (16 inches) wide. Thyme is a highly aromatic plant that grows in poor soils, tolerates frost and once established doesn’t need much watering.
It is often grown in pots for convenience but Thyme can be a very useful companion plant in garden beds, especially near Broccoli and Cabbages. The beautiful clusters of purple and pink flowers in Summer also attract bees and butterflies which can increase the pollination rates of popular berries such as Raspberry and Blueberry. Though if leaves are going to be dried it is recommended to harvest them prior to the Summer flowering period.
When grown from seed, leaves can start being harvest from Thyme plants in around 80-120 days.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10-30°C / 14-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun. Part-Shade in sub-tropical.
HEIGHT:
Up to 30cm (12 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 40cm (16 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees, Flies and Butterflies.
MATURITY:
80-120 days
GERMINATION RATES:
75-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
14-21 days at temperatures between 15-22°C / 59-72°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 3500
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT THYMUS VULGARIS (Thyme)
Thymus vulgaris was used by Ancient Greeks in their baths and burned as incense in their temples and used by Romans to purify their rooms and flavour their cheese.
Some superstitious folks during the Middle Ages placed Thyme leaves under their pillows to ward off nightmares. In the same period, Thyme was commonly used in coffins during funerals and given to knights and warriors to bring them courage.
As a popular culinary herb, Thyme is described as slightly spicier than Oregano and sweeter than Sage.
As a medicinal herb, Thyme is well known for helping with ailments such as tonsillitis, flu, sore throats and common colds. It is popular as an essential oil as it is used by some as a powerful antiseptic due to the high amounts of phenol.
For more information about the medicinal benefits of Thyme please click here.
