Thyme
Perennial and evergreen, thyme is one of the best herbs to grow at home. Once it's established, you'll be able to enjoy fresh home-grown thyme all year round, year after year.
| Growing calendar | |
|---|---|
| Sow indoors | Mar - Apr |
| Plant out/transplant | May - Jun |
| Harvest | All year round |
How to grow thyme
Sow thyme seed on the soil surface in pots and transplant seedlings 25cm apart. You can also plant bought thyme plants or rooted cuttings taken the in summer.
Choose well-drained soil in a sunny site.
Water your thyme plant until it's established. Cut back shoot tips to encourage more growth and reduce stem length after flowering to avoid your thyme plants becoming too woody.
Harvesting and using thyme
Pick leaves to use fresh of before flowering for drying, leaving at least 7cm of growth. Thyme is a perennial herb so will crop year after year. It's also evergreen so will keep a mat of leaves over winter.
| Growing notes | |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Germination time | 5-10 days |
| Average time to harvest | From 12 weeks |
| Equipment needed | None |
| Average plant size | Up to 30cm tall and wide |
| Family group to grow with | Lamiaceae: mint, sage |
| Seed saving notes | Perennial, can cross-pollinate |
| Key nutritional content | Fresh: Calcium, zinc, vitamin A |