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6-12 in. Botanical Name Thymus vulgaris Plant Type Herbaceous perennial Size 6-12 in. tall, 6- to 12-in. spread Sun Exposure Full sun Soil Type Loamy, sandy.
How tall and wide does thyme grow?
Thyme genus name Thymus light Sun plant type Herb Perennial height Under 6 inches 6 to 12 inches width Up to 18 inches.
Does thyme come back every year?
A majority of herbs are perennials throughout most of the United States. That means they come back year after year and usually get bigger or spread in territory each year. Some of our most-used cooking herbs are perennials, including sage, oregano and thyme.
How long does it take for thyme to mature?
Thyme grows very slowly from seed and after planting, germination can take up to 28 days. Because of this, it is usually grown from divisions or cuttings.
Does thyme plant spread?
Just like all plants, thyme plants spread by growing from one set of leaves to the next. In between the leaves is a stem segment. Some thymes produce sets of leaves very close together while others are spaced further apart. Stem segments grow faster without having to produce tightly knit sets of leaves.
Is thyme invasive?
I must mention that most members of the mint family will become quite invasive if left to their own devices. Mint, oregano, pennyroyal and even thyme will spread through underground runners and can quickly take over the garden. They can be hard to remove as small bits of roots left behind can grow into full plants.
How long do thyme plants live?
Thyme is a perennial herb that often only lives for 5 or 6 years even with good care. After 3 years thyme plants growth tends to slow down and produce less leaves with a weak aroma and inferior flavour compared to younger thyme plants.
Should I let thyme flower?
Thyme’s tiny flowers are pretty and white. Though you can pinch the flowers off to allow the plant to produce more leaves, the flavor of thyme really isn’t compromised by letting the plant bloom.
Where does thyme grow best?
Grow thyme in well-drained soil in full sun. Some varieties of thyme work well planted in gravel gardens, cracks in paving or as an alternative to a lawn. Others do best in pots, which you can bring indoors in autumn. Cut back thyme after flowering and protect tender species in winter.
What does thyme grow well with?
Some of the best companions for thyme are: Strawberries. Thyme works as a deterrent to worms. Cabbage family crops. Tomatoes. Eggplants. Potatoes. Blueberries. Shallots. Roses.
How do you care for outdoor thyme?
How to Cultivate Thyme Soil: Plant thyme in well-drained soil with an optimal pH between 6.0 and 8.0. Sun: Thyme needs a growing area with plenty of sunlight. Water: Most varieties of thyme are drought-resistant, so only give a thorough watering, when the soil is completely dry.
How do I prune thyme?
In late fall, after the first frost, select one-third of the oldest and woodiest stems on your thyme plant. Using sharp, clean shears, cut these stems back by half. Repeat the process the next year until your thyme plant has returned to growing younger, more tender stems all over the plant.
How do you harvest thyme so it keeps growing?
Harvest thyme just before the plant flowers by cutting off the top five to six inches of growth. Leave the tough, woody parts. It’s best to harvest thyme in morning after the dew has dried. Clean leaves should not be washed, because it removes some of the essential oils.
Does thyme grow in shade?
Thyme. Most varieties of thyme will tolerate part shade. Let the soil slightly dry out between waterings. Try planting it with other flowers and herbs for a fragrant container.
How do you grow thyme between pavers?
Since thyme seed is so small, it’s easiest to handle and plant by mixing it with sand – about four parts sand to one part thyme seed. Scratch the soil among the flagstones, then sprinkle the sand/seed mix on top at a rate so that you’re depositing about 4 to 6 seeds per square inch. Tamp the seed into the soil surface.
Is creeping thyme poisonous to dogs?
“The creeping thyme does well as a dog-friendly ground cover. Irish Moss, Labrador Violet, Miniature Stonecrop (although invasive, so be careful where you plant it) as well as snow in summer are rather dog-abuse-tolerant and are non-toxic.”May 23, 2017.
Is thyme a good ground cover?
Thymes are versatile, colorful, and fragrant plants, offering masses of delicate, starlike flowers. Tuck a thyme into a dry wall, stone walkway, or rock garden. Use it as a ground cover or as an edging for a perennial border. These hardy little plants add swaths of color and fragrance in unexpected places.
Will creeping thyme take over grass?
After doing much on-line research, I chose to replace half of my front lawn with Red Creeping Thyme in the spring of 2019. I liked its height (2”), the fact that it can tolerate moderate foot traffic, is drought resistant, spreads fast and chokes out weeks and attracts bees and butterflies.
Can you over water thyme?
Thyme plants droop or wilt because the soil is too moist around the roots as a result of over watering or slow draining soils, which can cause root rot. The symptoms of root rot are a drooping appearance and foliage that turns brown or yellow. Whilst over watering is the most common reason thyme plant droop or wilt.
Can thyme be grown indoors?
Thyme is a wonderful and versatile perennial herb that can be be grown successfully indoors, needing only basic attention to thrive.
