Your Weekly Electronic Gardening Guide
Practical Horticulture for Busy People.
Thyme
About This Plant...
Family:Labiatae
Genus and species:Thymus vulgaris
Plant type:perennial
Height and width:2-12 inches high; 10-12 inches wide
Location and soil:sun or partial shade; tolerates poor soil
Uses:fresh or dried leaves in soups, stews, and sauces; meat, fish, and egg recipes; salads and vegetables; flavoring for vinegar
Propagation methods:seeds, division, cuttings, and layering
Indoor Sowing...
Time needed to reach transplant size:6-10 weeks
When to transplant to garden:2-3 weeks before last spring frost
Outdoor Sowing...
When to sow outdoors:2-3 weeks before last spring frost
Other Sowing Guidelines...
Approx. germination time:21-28 days
Germination temp.:70 degrees F.
Days to maturity:70 days
Transplanting Guidelines...
Spacing between plants:8-12 inches
Spacing between rows:18 inches
Growing On...
Pests:fungal diseases, root rot
Diseases:spider mites
Harvest:pick fresh leaves as needed; for drying, cut branches before plant flowers, bunch them together, and hang them upside down in a warm, airy place, then remove leaves and store in an airtight jar
Growing tips:pinch back new growth to encourage bushiness