WashingtonGardener: April 2026

Wednesday, April 01, 2026

Thyme Plant Profile

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) was previously Origanum thymus and Thymus collinus. It is classified as a small subshrub or woody perennial.

It is native to Southern Europe and is in the mint family. It is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9.

This herb has many cultivars and forms from prostrate to vertical and the foliage can be dark green, gray-green, or variegated with a white edge.

It is used to flavor meat dishes, soups and stews, and Thanksgiving stuffing.

The key to growing it well is good drainage and full sun. Don’t overwater it, as it is susceptible to root rot. An ideal situation is to plant it overhanging a rock wall in soil amended with aged compost and chicken grit.

It can be grown in the garden or in a container. There is no need to fertilize it. Mulch it lightly in winter.

Thyme is drought-tolerant and deer-proof. Pollinators love it. Honeybees are especially attracted to the tiny pink-purple or white flowers.

To start new plants, it is best to take cuttings as it is difficult to grow thyme from seed.

When using it in cooking, pinch off the young stems and strip the leaves. For the best taste, harvest it just before bloom time. You can take up to a third of the plant at any one time, let it recover before harvesting from it again.

Thyme: You Can Grow That!

The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine.

Audio, Video, Photos, and Text by Kathy Jentz

Video and Editing by Aicha Bangoura

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