Thyme

Thyme needs full sun and sandy or gravelly soil that drains quickly, ideally around pH 6.0-8.0. It needs little fertilizer, and avoiding wet crowns is more important than frequent watering.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Water deeply during establishment; adjust to rainfall and soil

Spacing

12 in

First harvest

1 years

Tips

• Plant young thyme with its crown at soil level and leave 12 inches between plants.
• Water during establishment, then allow the upper soil to dry before watering again.
• Use only a light compost dressing in poor soil and avoid high-nitrogen feeding.
• Trim leafy tips after bloom without cutting into leafless wood, and watch for dieback in wet weather.
• Take small harvests during the first growing season, clipping tender stems before flowering for drying.

Plant nursery stock, crowns or divisions at locally recommended times; hardiness and establishment vary.