Grow a garden filled with Thyme, from freshly harvested Thymus vulgaris herb seeds. Thyme is a popular herb that produces 16 inch plants with small pink flowers. The leaves are harvested to add flavor to all sorts of culinary dishes, including fish, chowders, sauces, stuffings, soups, meats and poultry. Thyme’s pretty pink flowers will attract an array of beneficial insects to the garden, such as butterflies, bumblebees and hummingbirds as well.
Grown as a perennial herb, the Thyme plant will grow the first year, establishing a deep root system. The plants will later wilt on the surface due to harsh frosts, later returning back to life the following growing season. Because thyme is a vigerous grower, its small seeds can oftentimes fall to the bare ground beneath to establish a collection of new plants the following year as well.
Sowing The Seed
Thyme seeds are extremely tiny, but are easy to establish when sown indoors. Start in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Scatter a pinch of tiny seeds to the surface of the soil, allowing direct sunlight to reach the seeds. This is crucial for germination to occur. Direct sow on a calm day, or transplant outdoors when all danger of frost has passed.
Growing Conditions
Thyme will enjoy an area that receives full sunlight for the majority of the day, with temperatures of at least 70F or more. The soil should be sterile and well drained. To improve drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to any areas that consist of hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily with a mist setting or other light water setting to avoid overwatering and/or disturbing the seeds. Adding gravel around your plants can promote growth.
Germination & Growth
Your Thyme will begin to show life within as little as 14 to 28 days after sowing. The plants will grow to a mature height of about 16 inches tall and can take up a fair amount of space. Space each plant roughly 8 to 12 inches apart from one another. Harvest Thyme by snipping the branches and adding the tiny leaves to your culinary dishes.