"There is nothing more romantic than coming across a carpet of aromatic thyme. In their natural habitat, upright thymes grow at the edges of paths and on escarpments, whilst creeping thymes and their robust leaves are ideally suited to path or lawn surfaces. " Jekka McVicar
Thyme is a bee-friendly plant, and a thyme garden will be a-buzz with happy bumbling throughout the summer months.
Thymus vulgaris, Common Thyme, Garden Thyme
Our award winning Thyme Garden at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, 2008
Whilst the majority of thyme grows in the Mediterranean region, they are found as far afield as Greenland and Western Asia
Thyme is an ancient herb, used by the Eygptians in oil for embalming, the Greeks in their baths and in their temples as incense and the Romans to purify their rooms. In the Middle Ages, drinking it was part of a ritual to enable one to see fairies. Thyme has strong antiseptic properties, and was used by judges to prevent gaol fever.
Thyme grows best in a poor (low in nutrients), very well-drained soil. These drought-loving plants need a sunny spot and protection from very wet winters.
Propagation
Seed: To maintain the true plant, it is better to grow the majority of thymes from softwood cuttings. Only a mere
few, such as T. vulgaris and
T. 'Fragrantissimus' can be propagated successfully from seed.
Sow the fine seed in early spring, on the surface of prepared seed or plug trays, using a standard seed compost mixed in equal parts with composted fine bark. Provide a bottom heat of 15-21°C (60-70° F). Do not cover, and keep watering to the absolute minimum as these seedlings can be prone to damping off disease. When the young plants are large enough, and after a period of hardening off, plant out in the garden in late spring/early summer, at a distance of 23-38cm apart.
Thymus 'Fragrantissimus'
Orange Scented Thyme
Thymus pulegioides
Broad Leaved Thyme
Cuttings: Softwood cuttings are an easy way to propagate thyme, from new growth in early spring or summer. The cutting should be 5-8cm in length. Use a standard seed compost mixed in equal parts with composted fine bark.
Division: Creeping thymes put out aerial roots as they spread, which makes them very easy to divide in late spring.
Layering: This is a great method for mature thymes which are becoming woody. Use either the strong branch method of layering in early autumn or mound layer in early spring.
Garden Cultivation: Thymes prefer a poor soil to give their best flavour, and they must have a well-drained bed. These drought loving plants will need protecting from cold winds and hard, wet winters. Seed should be sown when the soil has warmed and there's no further threat of frost. Thin to approximately 20cm apart.
Thymes should be trimmed after flowering, as this will promote new growth and also prevents it from becoming woody and sprawling in the wrong direction.
Thyme aids digestion, and assists in breaking down fatty foods. It also has strong antiseptic properties, and the essential oil is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.
Thymus serpyllum 'Vey'
Vey Thyme
Thymus 'Lilac Time'
Lilac Time Thyme
Container Growing: All thyme varieties grow happily in containers. A free-draining soil is essential, and a poor soil (low in nutrients) is best, because a rich soil will impair the flavour.
Use a soil-based compost mixed in equal parts with composted fine bark; water only sparingly, so that the container borders on dry, and in winter, definitely dry - just water if absolutely necessary, if the leaves begin to lose colour.
Feed only occasionally in summer. Place your container in a sunny position, as this will bring the aromatic oils to the surface of the leaf, giving better flavour. Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and promote new growth.
Harvesting: Thyme is evergreen, so it can be picked fresh all year round. If you're picking to preserve it, then the best time to harvest is before it flowers. Either dry the leaves, or put them in a vinegar.
Uses:
Culinary: Thyme aids digestion, and assists in breaking down fatty foods. It's one of the main ingredients in Bouquet Garni, and is excellent in stocks, marinades and stews. A couple of sprigs with half an onion makes a great herb stuffing for poultry. Add thyme to a home-mad herb mayonnaise or mustard, or make a strong flavoured vinegar with thyme and sage. Use thyme and rosemary with roasted vegetables.
Medicinal:Thyme has strong antiseptic properties, and the essential oil is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. A thyme tisane (tea) makes a gargle or mouthwash which is very good for sore throats and infected gums. It's also good for hangovers! Thyme essential oil is used in the manufacture of toothpaste, mouthwash and gargles. It can also be used to kill mosquito larvae. A few drops of the oil added to bath water helps to ease rheumatic pain, and it is often used in liniments and massage oils.
WARNING: Although a medical dose drawn from the whole plant is safe, any amount of volatile oil is toxic and should not be used internally except by prescription. Avoid altogether if you are pregnant.
How to Order:
We currently grow over 50 varieties of Thyme. Here are a few of our favourites: Click on the image for more info':
