Garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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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

Northern

Sorthern

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 :

Garden thyme 'Silver Posie'Garden thyme 'Silver Queen'

Quickly Identify Garden thyme

Linear leaves, fragrant, ½-¾ inch (12-19 mm) long, covered in fine hairs.

Small whorled flowers, tubular, 4-5 mm long, white to pinkish-lavender, attractive to bees.

Schizocarp fruit divides into four one-seeded nutlets, round, 0.04 inches (1 mm) diameter, rich brown.

Dark grayish-green aromatic leaves, linear to ovate, 0.25-0.5 inches long, tomentose surface.

Semi-woody stems, slender, upright or angled, fine hairs, branching, 0.08-0.12 inches thick.

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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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Images of Garden thyme

Distribution of Garden thyme

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Garden thyme

Care Guide for Garden thyme

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