Thyme

Ready to harvest

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a low, woody Mediterranean evergreen herb with small, intensely aromatic leaves. Thyme includes some essential oils in its makeup.

  • Sow: March to May
  • Plant out: April to June
  • Harvest: Any thyme

What it's used for

Thyme is a traditional addition to roasts, stews, and marinades. It can be used fresh but has a short usable life in this form. However, it holds its flavour well when dried.

Grow your own at home

Thyme loves the sun and free-draining soil and is easy to grow. It’s advisable to trim it after flowering to keep it compact.

Thyme is best sown in spring, or from cuttings or divisions. Seeds can take up to a year to grow after sowing.

You can pick sprigs of thyme all year round, but the strongest flavour is found just before flowering in spring and summer.

Our planting guides are designed to help you get the best from your fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Every garden is unique, so growing conditions, weather, soil, and climate can affect results. Use this information as a helpful guide, and adapt it to suit your local conditions and gardening experience. Happy growing!