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Garden thyme
Also known as: French thyme, German thyme
While best known for culinary purposes, garden thyme has historically seen use in embalming rituals and as incense. In the kitchen, it most often ends up as a flavoring herb or brewed in tea. Garden thyme was gifted to warriors in the Middle Ages because it was supposed to spur courage and energy.
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Perennial
Lifespan
Herb, Shrub
Plant Type
Late spring, Summer
Bloom Time
Early fall, Mid fall
Harvest Time
15 cm to 30 cm
Plant Height
40 cm
Spread
Green, Gray, Silver
Leaf Color
2.5 cm
Flower Size
Brown, Copper
Fruit Color
White, Pink, Purple, Violet, Lavender
Flower Color
Green, Gray, Silver
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Evergreen
Leaf type
5 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Spring, Summer
Growth Season
Moderate
Growth Rate

Images of Garden thyme

Distribution of Garden thyme

Distribution Map
Garden thyme is a native to South and Western Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa, where it naturally occurs in shrublands. The species has been introduced to several other countries in Europe and Africa, as well as in Americas. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant and herb.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Dry slopes
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use
Garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is one of the world's most popular herbs and is mainly grown for its culinary value. It is also highly aromatic and its lilac flowers, which attract butterflies, offer ornamental appeal. This herb is equally at home in a herb garden or when grown in rock gardens and at the front of borders. Garden thyme makes a great partner plant to roses, eggplants, tomatoes, and cabbages.
Symbolism
Affection, activity
Interesting Facts
Besides its culinary use as a flavoring herb (it's the most common species of thyme used in cooking), an extract from garden thyme is also used as a disinfectant, under the name Thymol.
Name Story
Garden thyme: Thyme comes from the Greek word for "incense" or "fumigate", perhaps because of its clean fragrance. For this reason, it is commonly used as a spice. Also, it is commonly planted in gardens, it is then called garden thyme.
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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Garden thyme, including the following common varieties :

Quickly Identify Garden thyme

1
Linear leaves, fragrant, ½-¾ inch (12-19 mm) long, covered in fine hairs.
2
Small whorled flowers, tubular, 4-5 mm long, white to pinkish-lavender, attractive to bees.
3
Schizocarp fruit divides into four one-seeded nutlets, round, 0.04 inches (1 mm) diameter, rich brown.
4
Dark grayish-green aromatic leaves, linear to ovate, 0.25-0.5 inches long, tomentose surface.
5
Semi-woody stems, slender, upright or angled, fine hairs, branching, 0.08-0.12 inches thick.
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RELATED: How to identify Garden thyme

Care Guide for Garden thyme

Every 1-2 weeks
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
5 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Potting Mix, Garden Soil
Soil Type
Water: Garden thyme thrives in well-drained soil and requires watering every 1-2 weeks, reflecting its adaptation to Mediterranean climates. Preferring full sun, it is typically grown outdoors, where increased evaporation prevents overwatering and root rot, aligning with its drought tolerance.
Fertilize: For optimal growth, garden thyme needs balanced fertilizer, low in nitrogen, applied in spring and early fall, limited to 1/4 cup per plant. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during initial growth; less for mature garden thyme. Apply after rain or watering; avoid overfertilization to maintain flavor.
Pruning: Garden thyme, featuring aromatic leaves and small flowers, benefits from regular pruning in early to late spring. Trim old stems and up to one-third of the plant to enhance shape, air circulation, and vitality. Use clean, sharp tools for clean cuts and to minimize infection risk.
Propagation: Garden thyme propagates effectively via cuttings in spring and summer. This straightforward method signals success through new growth, typically requiring no further guidance for effective results.
Repotting: Repot garden thyme every 2-3 years in early spring to support growth. Use well-drained soil in a larger pot. After repotting, place in a sunny spot and minimize watering until new growth appears, ensuring garden thyme's aromatic leaves thrive.
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