It’s about time we talk about thyme! Thyme is a versatile medicinal herb that can be grown and harvested in virtually any environment. These tips will help you get started growing thyme.
This is a short excerpt The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer Revised Edition Jeff Carpenter and Melanie Carpenter. The web version has been adapted.
Thyme German Winter (Thymus Vulgaris).
Thyme can be a woody perennial Hardy from USDA Zones 5 to 9.
It has a long history of use in Europe, North Africa, Asia, and Australia. The Lamiaceae is a mint. The shrub is short and bushy, with rough woody branches. It can grow up to 12 inches high. The thyme leaves are small, narrow, lance-shaped and dark green.
The thyme leaves are extremely aromatic and contain a valuable phenol known as thymol, which has antiseptic qualities. At the branch ends, thyme flowers are composed of clusters with white and purple blossoms.
Growing Conditions
Thyme grows best in full sunlight in loamy, well-drained soil. It can also be grown at higher elevations. If mulched properly, it can overwinter well in cold climates. Thyme can be a low maintenance plant if it isn’t grown in areas that are wet and weedy.
Thyme Propagation
Thyme can also be grown from seed, by vegetative cuttings (cuttings of the leaves), root divisions or transplants.. The thyme is easy to germinate, so we plant it in plugs early in the spring and transplant the plants into the field when they are established. Thyme is not a strong competitor to weeds.
Mulch can be used to reduce weeds. The recommended plant spacing for thyme in triple rows is 12 inches.
Planting Considerations
Although it is small, thyme has a lot to offer. Hearty, delicious aromatics with strong healing qualities. Plant thyme with other perennials that grow slowly, such as oregano and lavender. They have a natural affinity and will not crowd out each other.
This is also a favorite of bees, and other pollinators. It’s a good choice for gardens near hives. The antimicrobial properties of the plant may also be beneficial for the health of insects.
Specifications for Thyme Harvesting
Thyme is harvested as soon as it starts to bloom in the late summer. The volatile oils will be at their highest level and the plant is nearing the end of its growth cycle. Due to their low-growing, wooden nature, the plants are difficult to harvest mechanically.
It is easier to use very sharp pruners to cut through woody stems than to try to use field knives which are time-consuming and can cause injury to the arms. Leave 2 to 3 inches intact when harvesting to encourage regeneration and help the plant survive the winter.
Post-Harvest Drying and Storage Considerations
Dry thyme at temperatures of 100 to 120°F (38– 49°C) in order to maintain the delicate aromatic compounds. To maintain the vibrant color of thyme and its medicinal properties, it is best to keep it out of direct sunlight.
It should dry within a few days if you have good drying conditions. Once the leaves are dried, they will easily peel off of the stems. Separate the leaves and stalks by running the stalks through a 1/4-inch stainless steel wire mesh.
Recommended Reading
Growing Medicinal Plants: An Agricultural Revolution
You probably have 8 herbs in your kitchen that you can use for their medicinal properties.
Chelsea Green Publishing published the first article about Thyme.