How to Plant & Grow Thyme: When to Plant and Best Varieties

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a resilient Mediterranean herb that thrives in full sun, lean soil, and dry conditions. It’s both ornamental and edible—producing aromatic foliage and tiny flowers that attract pollinators. Growing thyme is simple once you understand its love for warmth and well-drained soil.

How to Plant Thyme from Seed or Cuttings

Thyme can be propagated from seed, division, or stem cuttings. From seed: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Sprinkle seeds lightly on the surface of a sandy seed mix and mist with water. Keep warm (18–22 °C) until seedlings emerge, then transplant once 3–4 cm tall. From cuttings: Take 7–10 cm non-flowering shoots from established plants. Strip the lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and insert into moist sandy mix. Rooting occurs within 2–3 weeks under bright indirect light.

Soil Preparation & Spacing

Thyme grows best in light, alkaline, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 8. Add coarse sand or gravel to heavy clay soils to prevent root rot. Avoid rich compost—thyme prefers poor soil, which encourages stronger oils and compact growth. Space plants about 25–30 cm apart to allow airflow and sunlight penetration.

Sunlight & Watering

Provide 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In cooler climates, a north-facing position works best; in hot regions, partial afternoon shade prevents leaf scorch. Water sparingly—thyme is drought-tolerant once established. Overwatering quickly causes root rot, especially in containers.

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When to Plant Thyme

The best time to plant thyme is spring through early summer once frost has passed and soil temperatures remain above 15 °C. In warmer climates, thyme can also be planted in autumn, allowing roots to establish before winter. In cold zones, grow thyme in containers that can be brought indoors or sheltered during frosty periods.

Fertilising Thyme the Right Way

Thyme is a light feeder and thrives with minimal nutrition. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers that make growth soft and less aromatic. Feed every 4–6 weeks during active growth using a gentle liquid fertiliser like CompleteGrow Indoor Plant Food Concentrate. Its low-nitrogen, mineral-based formulation supports compact, flavour-rich foliage without overstimulating growth. For large outdoor herb beds, a diluted CompleteGrow All Purpose 20-20-20 Liquid Fertiliser can be used once at planting.

Pruning & Harvesting

Regular pruning keeps thyme bushy and prolongs its lifespan. Trim stems back by one-third in early spring to remove winter die-back. Harvest leaves frequently to encourage new shoots—cut just above a node, leaving several centimetres for regrowth. In late summer, reduce watering and allow stems to harden for winter.

Pests & Common Problems

Thyme rarely suffers from pests, but overwatering invites fungal issues. Root rot and powdery mildew occur in poorly ventilated spots. Ensure adequate spacing, full sun, and moderate airflow to prevent these problems. Avoid mulch directly against the stems to reduce humidity.

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Different Types of Thyme

There are over 50 thyme varieties, but a few are standouts for home gardeners and cooks. Here are the most popular types to consider:

Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): The classic culinary variety with grey-green leaves and intense aroma. Excellent for roasts, soups, and marinades.
Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus): Zesty citrus fragrance with bright green leaves—ideal for poultry, seafood, and teas. Slightly less hardy but ornamental and fragrant.
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): Low-growing ground cover producing pink or purple flowers. Perfect between pavers or as living mulch in sunny areas.
Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus): Soft, silvery foliage used for ornamental edging—non-culinary but visually striking.
Caraway Thyme (Thymus herba-barona): Strongly scented with hints of caraway spice, ideal for meats and savoury dishes.

Companion Planting with Thyme

Thyme pairs well with rosemary, sage, and oregano—forming an aromatic Mediterranean bed that deters pests. It’s also excellent alongside brassicas (like cabbage and kale) to repel aphids. Avoid planting thyme near water-loving herbs such as parsley or basil, as they prefer moist soil.

Final Recommendation

To grow thriving thyme plants, provide sunlight, drainage, and light feeding. Use CompleteGrow Indoor Plant Food Concentrate for indoor herbs or potted balcony thyme, and CompleteGrow All Purpose 20-20-20 Liquid Fertiliser sparingly for outdoor beds. With the right care, thyme will reward you with aromatic foliage and long-lived plants that enrich your cooking and your garden year after year.