Thyme Common
Thyme Common
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Thyme Common Seeds (Thymus vulgaris)
You simply cannot cook a classic roast dinner, a hearty stew, or a bouquet garni without Common Thyme. It is a low-growing, woody sub-shrub that produces tiny, aromatic, dark green leaves packed with earthy, minty, and slightly lemony oils.
While there are many fancy varieties of thyme, Thymus vulgaris is the robust, hardy workhorse selected for the best flavour. In summer, it covers itself in tiny, pale pink/lilac flowers that are so rich in nectar they are often vibrating with bees. It thrives in hot, dry spots where other plants scorch, making it perfect for paving crevices and terracotta pots.
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🌿 Understanding the Plant
Common Thyme is a Hardy Perennial (evergreen in mild winters).
It forms a low, woody bush that lasts for many years. Over time, Thyme can become "leggy" with bare woody stems and leaves only at the tips.
Top Tip: Give it a haircut! After it finishes flowering in late summer, trim the whole plant back with shears (but not into the old brown wood). This keeps it tight, bushy, and full of fresh leaves for the kitchen.
🌱 Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow
Thyme seeds are tiny dust-like specks that need light to germinate.
Germination:
Sow indoors from February to April. Scatter the seeds on the surface of moist, free-draining compost. Do not cover them (or use a tiny dusting of vermiculite), as they need light to trigger growth. Keep warm (18-20°C). Germination can be slow, taking 14-28 days.
Where to Sow:
It demands full sun and sharp drainage. It hates sitting in wet soil, especially in winter. If you have heavy clay, you must add grit or grow it in a raised bed or pot.
Care While Growing:
Water sparingly. Thyme tastes better when grown "hard" (with less water). Avoid rich fertilisers, as they make the growth soft and reduce the aromatic oils.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Latin Name | Thymus vulgaris |
| Common Name | Common Thyme |
| Hardiness | H5 (Hardy - withstands cold winters) |
| Light Required | Full Sun ☀️ |
| Height | ↕️ 20cm - 30cm |
| Spread | ↔️ 30cm |
| Spacing | 🌱 25cm apart |
| Great for | 🥘 Culinary Use 🐝 Bee Magnet 🧱 Rockeries & Paths 🏺 Terracotta Pots |
| Seed Count | Approx. 500 seeds per packet |
🤝 Perfect Garden Companions
Thyme loves company that enjoys the same hot, dry Mediterranean conditions:
- 🍕 Oregano 'Greek': The perfect culinary pair. Plant them side-by-side for a "Pizza Patch." Both require excellent drainage and full sun, and their contrasting leaf textures look beautiful together.
- 💜 Lavender 'Munstead': Ideally suited for dry gardens. Thyme creates a low, fragrant carpet at the feet of the taller Lavender bushes. Both are deer-resistant and drought-tolerant.
📅 Sowing & Harvesting Calendar
Sow indoors in spring. Harvest leaves year-round (best flavour in summer).
| Month | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow Indoors | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | |||||||||
| Harvest | ✂️ | ✂️ | ✂️ | ✂️ | ✂️ | ✂️ | ✂️ | ✂️ | ✂️ | ✂️ | ✂️ | ✂️ |
⚠️ Drainage Warning
Thyme's biggest enemy is winter wet. If you have heavy soil, do not plant it in the ground—it will rot. Instead, plant it in a pot with gritty compost, or on top of a rockery.
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