Thyme

Name Origin:

From the Greek word thyro, to sacrifice, due to its use as incense to perfume the temples. Read more on the History of Thyme.
 

Natural Order:

Labiatæ
 

Growing Cycle:

Short, Shrubby Perennial
 

Origins:

Native to dry, stony places on the Mediterranean coasts.
 

Height:

Usually under 12 inches.
 

Characteristics:

Branched, slender, and woody stems that bear oblong, triangular, tapering leaves that are usually 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. The leaves are green on top and gray underneath.
 

Thyme Flowers:

Little pink or lilac which form whorls and loose, leafy spikes.
 

Thyme seeds number 170,000 per ounce and 24 ounces will fill a quart container. Thyme seeds retain their germinating power for three years. Cuttings, layers and divisions all work well but the easiest way to grow thyme is from seed.
 

Sowing Thyme Seed.

Because the seed is so tiny, thyme seeds should be sown very shallow or pressed into the soil with a fine layer sprinked on top. Better to plant seed in a nursery bed where more attention can be paid to the tiny plants. This will also enable the more valuable garden space to be used for an early-maturing crop.
 
In the seedbed, plant thyme seeds in early spring with the drills 4 to 6 inches apart with 5 or 6 seeds per inch. If planting in volume, mix sand with the seed to prevent overplanting. Some farmers use as much as 4 parts sand to one part seed.
 

Thyme Cultivation.

Thyme plants should be no closer than 8 inches. Ten inches is preferred. One plant per square foot is perhaps optimal.
 
Young thyme plants should be set out in the garden or field in June or July, preferably in damp ground or just prior to a rain shower.
 

Thyme Propagation.

Thyme can be propagated by dividing the roots (should be done in April) and from seed. However, the finest plants are produced when grown from seed.
 

Harvesting Thyme.

Harvest alternating plants in late August or ealy September. Harvest plants from alternating rows around three weeks later and the final crop of thyme should be harvested in October. If harvesting for drying, it's best to harvest thyme just as they come into flower.
 

Harvesting Thyme Seeds.

Thyme matures unevenly from plant to plant.
 
While cutting the ripening tops is one way to obtain seeds, use of cloths, sheets, or paper beneath the plants may prove more productive. Around noon and again in late afternoon, gently shake the plants to encourage the ripe seeds to fall onto the sheets. Collect the seeds and spread them in a warm, airy room to finish drying. If you use this method, don't forget to give the thyme plants a good shaking to dislodge any remaining seed. Do keep in mind if the plants are wet or damp the tiny seeds may stick to the leaves and flower heads.
 

Wintering Thyme.

In colder climates, mulch with leaves or other garden litter to prevent undue thawing and freezing. In the spring, for best results; dig the plants, divide and plant in a new location.