Thymus vulgaris
TAXONOMY
FamilyLamiaceae
GenusThymus
Zone5
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Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as common thyme, is a subshrub in the family Lamiaceae. Native to the Mediterranean region, it is widely cultivated for its culinary and medicinal uses. The plant has small, aromatic leaves and pink to purple flowers. It prefers temperate climates and has a dormancy period during the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
English Thyme
Garden Thyme
Thyme
Origanum thymus
Thymus baeticus var. prostratus
Thymus collinus
Thymus vulgaris var. capitatus
Thymus vulgaris var. latifolius
Thymus vulgaris var. palearensis
Thymus vulgaris var. verticillatus
Thymus webbianus
Thymus ×welwitschii subsp. ilerdensis
Thymus zygis subsp. ilerdensis
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
GDD1,350
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
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DETAILS
Care Instructions
Common thyme thrives in bright, direct sunlight and prefers moderate temperatures. It should be watered when the soil is almost completely dry. The plant enjoys moderate humidity and should be kept in a well-ventilated area. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.Harvest
Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as thyme, should be harvested just before the plant flowers, when the essential oil content is at its peak. This typically occurs in late spring to early summer. To harvest, cut the top 5-6 inches of the stems, leaving the woody base to encourage regrowth. It is best to harvest in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day. Regular harvesting will promote a bushier plant and more vigorous growth.Soil
Thymus vulgaris prefers well-draining loam soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. A sandy or gritty soil mix can also be beneficial to ensure proper drainage.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-5 can be applied during the growing season. Fertilize sparingly, as thyme does not require heavy feeding. Over-fertilization can lead to reduced flavor and aroma.Repotting
Repot thyme every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its container. Choose a pot with good drainage and use a well-draining soil mix. Repotting is best done in the spring before the growing season begins.Propagation
Thyme can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or division. The best time to propagate is in the spring or early summer. For cuttings, take a 4-6 inch stem, remove the lower leaves, and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist until roots develop.Pruning
Prune thyme regularly to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season, but avoid heavy pruning during the winter dormancy period. Remove any dead or woody stems to promote new growth.Toxicity
Thymus vulgaris is not toxic to pets or humans. It is safe to use in culinary applications and has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries.Additional
Thyme is a versatile herb that can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes. It is also known for its antiseptic and antifungal properties. Regular harvesting of the leaves can help keep the plant healthy and encourage new growth.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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