Thyme

Common thyme is a woody, evergreen perennial in the mint family, native to southwestern Europe and southeastern Italy. It forms a low, wiry-stemmed mound about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) tall. Its small, aromatic leaves are used fresh or dried in cooking. The small white to lilac flowers draw bees and butterflies. There are many cultivars, which differ in leaf shape, leaf color and flower color.

Sowing. Start seeds indoors about 8 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost. Sow them on top of moist seed-starting mix and cover them with only a thin layer of soil. Seeds come up in 14 to 21 days when kept at 65 to 70 °F (18 to 21 °C).

Transplanting and spacing. Move seedlings into individual pots once they have 4 true leaves, and set them outside after the last frost. Space mature plants 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) apart. One seed supplier suggests 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) apart instead.

Direct sowing. In spring you can also scatter seed directly on the ground or sow it in a seed tray. Germination is uneven, which makes seed hard to propagate. Plants grown from seed may take several years to be ready to harvest.

Cuttings and divisions. Many gardeners find cuttings or divisions easier than seed. Take 4-inch shoot tips from new growth in late spring and keep them well watered in sand. Divide well-established plants in spring.

Light and soil. Give it full sun to partial shade in light, dry, well-drained soil.

Watering and feeding. Once established, thyme needs little water. Water it during long dry spells, but avoid frequent watering, which can cause root rot. Feed sparingly or not at all, since extra fertilizer makes weak growth.

Pruning. Trim plants when they get leggy, and cut them back in early spring and summer to limit woody growth. Older plants can be cut back hard in spring to encourage young stems, or replaced every few years.

Thyme has few serious problems when drainage is good, but root rot and fungal diseases can develop in wet soil. Spider mites can show up in hot, dry weather, and aphids are occasional pests. Older plants may become woody, sparse or open in the center. Some sources report no significant problems at all.

Cut leafy stems shortly before the plant flowers, when the leaves hold the most oil. Gather the branches on a dry day after the dew has dried. Cut back to about 4 to 5 inches above the ground once plants are established.

Hang small bundles upside down in a dark, warm, well-ventilated place to dry. Once dry, strip the leaves from the stems and keep them in airtight containers away from heat and light. Properly dried thyme keeps good flavor for many months.

Thyme is listed as non-toxic to both dogs and cats.