How to grow Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
A low, woody, drought-proof perennial.
Thyme is a low, woody perennial that loves heat, sun, and dry feet — perfect for the edge of a bed or a pot. Give it sharp drainage and it shrugs off drought.
Grow Thyme with step-by-step help for your exact yard.
Start free in Seededly →Thyme at a glance
| Sun | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Soil pH | 6.0–8.0 |
| Spacing | 10 in |
| Harvest | Pick anytime |
| Plant | Spring |
| Note | Drought-proof |
How to grow Thyme, step by step
Plant in sharp drainage
- Full sun and gritty, well-drained soil; it hates wet feet.
- Great in pots and bed edges.
Water sparingly
- Let it dry between waterings; overwatering rots it.
- No feeding needed in lean soil.
Snip & shear
- Snip sprigs anytime; flavor is strongest before flowering.
- Shear lightly after bloom to stop it going woody.
Thyme problems & fixes
Thyme — Woody, sparse plant: what's wrong and how do I fix it?
Age. Shear after flowering; replace every few years.
Thyme — Rot or yellowing: what's wrong and how do I fix it?
Too wet. Improve drainage; water less.
Thyme — Little flavor: what's wrong and how do I fix it?
Too rich/shady. Grow lean in full sun.
Recommended thyme varieties
- English — All-rounder. The standard culinary thyme.
- French — Sweeter. Milder, sweeter leaves.
- Lemon — Citrus. Lemon-scented; great with fish.
Thyme month-by-month
| January | Evergreen in mild areas. |
|---|---|
| February | Plan a dry, sunny spot. |
| March | New growth starts. |
| April | Spring growth. |
| May | Harvest freely. |
| June | Best before bloom. |
| July | Flowers — bees love it. |
| August | Shear lightly. |
| September | Fresh growth. |
| October | Last harvest; dry extra. |
| November | Slows down. |
| December | Dormant/evergreen. |