Common Thyme Seeds

• Thyme
• The Thyme Plant
• How to sow Thyme
• How to grow Thyme
• Growing tips for Thyme
• Diseases and pests of Thyme
• Uses and curiosities of Thyme

Thyme

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a perennial aromatic herb native to the Mediterranean basin, belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Thanks to its hardiness and easy cultivation it suits both garden beds and pots.

The Thyme Plant

It has a compact, bushy habit, generally not exceeding 30 cm in height. The leaves are small, linear, greyish-green and strongly aromatic.

Between May and July it produces small flowers gathered in terminal spikes, white or pink, much sought after by bees.

How to sow Thyme

Sow in seed trays in March-April, or directly in open ground in early spring. The seeds germinate well; seedlings should be transplanted outdoors in high summer.

How to grow Thyme

It prefers light, calcareous, well-drained soil, even dry and stony, in a sunny position. It needs little watering, except during prolonged dry spells.

It withstands cold temperatures well for short periods, though pots are best protected from harsh frost.

Growing tips for Thyme

Excellent as ground cover in beds and borders, or in pots on sunny balconies. Adding gravel to the substrate helps prevent waterlogging that can cause root rot.

Diseases and pests of Thyme

It is a hardy plant not very prone to disease. The main risk comes from root fungi in case of excess moisture: since it is intended for culinary use, chemical treatments are best avoided in favour of replacing affected plants.

Uses and curiosities of Thyme

A kitchen staple for flavouring meat, fish, vegetables and soups, it was already known to the ancient Egyptians who used it in embalming rituals. It was part of the famous "vinegar of the four thieves", a traditional remedy used during epidemics alongside lavender, rosemary and sage.