view a best herb for indoor growing , and a democratic choice for outside gardens too , thyme is a functional herbaceous plant well worthwhile . With a myriad of kind , this middling repeated has tiny , aromatic leaves and spry , little flowers ranging in color from white to abstruse magenta .
Common thyme ( Thymmus vulgaris ) is most often grown for its culinary use , while female parent - of - thyme ( Thymus serpyllum ) , a creeping change , can tolerate light-headed foot traffic and is used aesthetically for endocarp pathways and rock walls . Thyme can easily be grown outside in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 4 to 8 . In containers and indoors , thyme can be enjoyed year - round everywhere .
As with many herbs , thyme has been a revered plant used throughout account . Thyme originated in Asia , North Africa , and Europe . Ancient Egyptians used thyme as a preservative . Ancient Greeks believed bathe in and burning thyme for incense would boost courage . This symbolic habit of thyme go on into the Middle Ages when women would give their favourite horse a sprig of thyme before battle .
Once thyme ’s antiseptic properties were discovered , it was used on patch to heal wounds rapidly . That same antiseptic quality is found as an ingredient in a popular brand of mouthwash today . Most often , thyme has been used as an easy - to - grow savory flavourer for a wide variety of foods .
How to grow thyme
Thyme is good grown from plants rather than from seeds . detect a protagonist in your area with a healthy thyme industrial plant and take a stock-still cutting . Or purchase a mixture of thyme according to your druthers from your local nursery . Plant the cutting or transplant in median soil with a handful of course grit or all right gravel . Thyme flourish in wry , well draining , and gritty soil .
Thyme savor full sun best , but it will be well-chosen with a lower limit of six time of day of daylight . irrigate your thyme regularly , but be careful not to overwater .
Once your outside edible thyme plant life is establish , you are free to clip and snip for your culinary needs . This will allow you to enjoy the flavor while encouraging your plant to develop fresh emergence . you could trim your works several times during the summer . In the declination , cut minuscule bundles of thyme and pay heed to dry in a warm , sullen positioning . Or , take the leaves from the stalk and dry on a tray .
For a non edible creeping variety that has inched beyond its boundaries , simply trend it back to where it belongs . reduce into the woody and more mature share of the plant to boost saucy increment and to remold your plant once a year .
flora indoor thyme in a mud pot . This allows the soil to dry between watering . expend a mix of sand , peat moss , pot grunge and perlite to guarantee excellent drainage . Place your thyme in a southern- or western - confront window that will ply your plant six hours of unmediated or indirect , bright sunlight day by day .
Indoor thyme will enjoy spending time outside during the summertime . Begin by reveal the plant to a semi - shaded area to acclimate it to outside sun exposure and to temperatures . Gradually move it to a full sun location . get your indoor industrial plant back within before the outdoor temperature drop below 60 degrees .
Thyme Pests and problems
Thyme will decompose in moist soils , so careful attention to lachrymation is important . Thyme and humidness are ill-sorted . The two combine can result in grey cast and rot . To avoid this , flora thyme in an orbit with good airwave circulation , peculiarly in humid region . When plant thyme next to leafy neighbor , discard any decaying leaves that might trap moisture to the primer coat around your thyme flora .
Thyme varieties worth trying
“ Wooly Thyme ” ( Thymus pseudolanuginosus)forms a dense ground- covering lustrelessness with hirsute leaves . It creeps , cascades and spill over walls and yield footpath as it grows between pavers and Stone .
“ Lemon Scented ” or “ Silver Thyme ” is an graceful addition to your herb garden or your ornamental garden . Its striking unripened leaves are tip with silver , and its aroma is a distinctly citrusy lemon .
“ Annie Hall ” is a creeping variety of thyme used by some as a beautiful , low maintenance choice to a lawn .
Want to learn more information on growing thyme?
See these resources :
The National Gardening Associationhas a great overview of caring for thyme .
Fine Gardeningshows you how to use thyme as a ground cover .
Penn State Extension Agencywrites about growing thyme .
