How to Care for Thyme Plants: Complete Indoor & Outdoor Guide

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is one of the easiest Mediterranean herbs to maintain, yet it thrives only when its dry, sunny origins are respected. Proper thyme care ensures dense foliage, aromatic leaves, and long-lived plants that return year after year. Whether grown in garden beds or pots, thyme rewards attentive care with fragrance and flavour.

Light & Location

Thyme requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In cooler regions, full sun promotes rich essential oil production; in hot climates, light afternoon shade prevents leaf burn. Indoors, place pots on a bright north-facing windowsill or under grow lights for at least 10 hours daily. Thyme grown in low light becomes leggy and loses flavour.

Soil & Drainage

Thyme thrives in light, sandy, well-draining soil with a slightly alkaline pH (6.5–8). Poor, gritty soil encourages compact, aromatic growth. Avoid moisture-retentive mixes—excess water causes root rot. For pots, use a free-draining mix of equal parts premium potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or small gravel to mimic its natural conditions.

Watering Schedule

Water thyme deeply but infrequently. Allow the top 3–4 cm of soil to dry before watering again. Overwatering is the most common cause of thyme decline, especially in pots. During hot months, container thyme may need watering twice weekly; garden thyme usually survives on rainfall alone once established. Always ensure pots drain freely—never let them sit in saucers of water.

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Fertilising Thyme the Right Way

Thyme prefers lean soil, so heavy fertilising does more harm than good. Too much nitrogen causes soft, floppy growth with less fragrance. Instead, use a gentle, balanced feed once every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. For indoor or potted thyme, apply CompleteGrow Indoor Plant Food Concentrate. Its mild formulation supports root strength and compact leaf growth without overstimulating the plant. Outdoor thyme in garden beds can benefit from an occasional feed using CompleteGrow All Purpose 20-20-20 Liquid Fertiliser—diluted to half strength—at the start of the growing season.

Pruning & Harvesting

Prune thyme regularly to maintain shape and prevent woodiness. In early spring, cut back one-third of the plant to encourage new growth. Harvest leaves frequently by trimming just above a node—this promotes branching. Avoid cutting into the woody base, as older stems don’t regrow easily. After flowering, shear lightly to keep plants neat and to stimulate another flush of leaves before winter.

Caring for Thyme in Pots

Thyme thrives in containers when drainage and airflow are managed well. Use terracotta pots that breathe and prevent moisture buildup. Water sparingly, fertilise lightly, and trim regularly. If roots fill the pot, replant into a slightly larger one with fresh mix. Keep potted thyme in a sunny spot sheltered from heavy rain, especially during winter.

Lemon Thyme Care

Lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus) has a gentler, citrus fragrance and slightly more delicate leaves than common thyme. It prefers similar conditions but benefits from a little more moisture and light afternoon shade in very hot weather. Feed monthly with diluted Indoor Plant Food to maintain leaf colour and aroma, and prune after flowering to encourage dense, low growth.

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Seasonal Thyme Care Tips

Spring: Prune old wood and feed lightly as new shoots appear.
Summer: Harvest frequently, water moderately, and remove spent blooms.
Autumn: Reduce watering and let stems harden before winter.
Winter: Keep soil dry and protect pots from prolonged frost or rain.

Common Problems

Most thyme issues stem from overwatering or poor airflow. Watch for:

Yellowing leaves: Waterlogged soil or nutrient imbalance.
Powdery mildew: Overcrowded plants or shade—improve ventilation.
Leggy growth: Insufficient sunlight—move to a brighter position.

Final Recommendation

The secret to healthy thyme is restraint: less water, less fertiliser, and more light. Use CompleteGrow Indoor Plant Food Concentrate for gentle feeding of potted thyme, and apply CompleteGrow All Purpose 20-20-20 Liquid Fertiliser sparingly in outdoor herb beds. Combined with pruning and good airflow, this minimalist care routine keeps thyme thriving year-round—whether it’s common, lemon, or creeping varieties.