Common Thyme, Garden Thyme, Pot-Herb Thyme, English Thyme, Tomillo
Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as Thyme, is a hardy, aromatic, woody perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, it is revered for its pungent, earthy flavor and rich medicinal history. With tiny, evergreen leaves and delicate pink or lavender flowers, thyme thrives in sunny, dry conditions and is a staple in culinary, ornamental, and medicinal gardens worldwide.
Aside from Thyme, the Lamiaceae family includes other well-known culinary herbs such as rosemary, basil, mint, sage, and oregano.
Thyme is native to the Mediterranean, especially southern Europe and parts of North Africa. It grows naturally in rocky hillsides, scrubland, and dry meadows, where its drought-tolerant traits make it an ideal survivor. Today, thyme is cultivated globally in temperate regions for both ornamental and culinary use.
Thyme is a compact, woody, evergreen subshrub with a low-spreading habit. Stems become woody at the base and branch outward, creating a dense mat. Leaves grow in opposite pairs on square stems.
Thyme typically reaches 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) in height and spreads 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) wide, making it suitable for edging, borders, or ground cover.
A perennial herb, thyme remains productive for 3–5 years before declining. Woody plants may benefit from division or replacement.
Thyme produces whorls of small, tubular flowers in pink, lavender, or white during late spring to early summer. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators and are edible, though milder than the leaves.
After blooming, thyme develops small brown schizocarps that split into nutlets. Seed is rarely used for propagation due to slow and uneven germination.
The leaves are tiny, linear to ovate, gray-green, and densely aromatic. They grow in pairs and are slightly rolled under at the edges. Some varieties have variegated or golden leaves.
Thyme is hardy in USDA zones 5–9. It withstands frost and thrives in hot, dry climates. Protect young plants from excessive winter wet or deep freezes.
Thyme is highly attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. It provides essential nectar and habitat in naturalistic and pollinator gardens.
Thyme is extremely drought-tolerant once established. It prefers dry, sandy, or rocky soils and is well-suited for xeriscaping.
Its strong aroma and essential oils make thyme unpalatable to deer and rabbits, offering natural protection in wildlife-prone areas.
According to the ASPCA, thyme is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. However, thyme oil in large amounts may cause irritation or upset in pets and humans.
Thyme is not invasive but can spread in optimal conditions. Creeping types form dense mats and may self-seed mildly.
Take 3–4 inch non-flowering tip cuttings in spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing for best rooting success. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cuttings in moist sand or perlite. Keep them in a shaded area until roots develop.
Divide mature clumps in spring and replant them immediately in well-drained soil. This method helps rejuvenate older plants and produces new, vigorous growth.
Pin a low-growing stem to the ground, cover it lightly with soil, and wait for roots to form at the contact point. Once rooted, cut the stem and transplant the new plant to its permanent spot.
Start seeds indoors 6–10 weeks before the last frost. Surface sow the seeds, as they need light to germinate, and keep the soil consistently moist. Germination takes 2–3 weeks, and young seedlings grow slowly at first.
Thyme is an excellent companion plant that enhances growth, flavor, and pest resistance in many garden plants. Its strong aroma naturally repels common vegetable pests such as cabbage loopers, cabbage maggots, cabbageworms, corn earworms, tomato hornworms, spider mites, and whiteflies. Its small flowers also attract beneficial insects and pollinators, making thyme a valuable addition to any vegetable garden.
Thyme is generally a hardy and low-maintenance herb, but it can still face a few pest and disease issues, especially in poor conditions. Proper spacing, good air circulation, and well-drained soil go a long way in preventing problems.
With proper care and attention, thyme typically remains healthy and resilient, providing years of culinary and ornamental value with minimal issues.
If you’re out of thyme, several herbs can serve as suitable substitutes, depending on the dish you’re preparing. Here are some of the best thyme alternatives:
When substituting dried thyme with a fresh herb, remember that 1 teaspoon of dried thyme equals about 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme or substitute herb.
To chop thyme, hold a sprig at the top and run your fingers down to strip the tiny leaves. Discard the woody stem. Gather the leaves on a cutting board and finely chop them with a sharp knife using a rocking motion. Use fresh-chopped thyme in cooking immediately for best flavor.
Thyme is a low-growing, woody-stemmed herb with tiny, oval leaves that are gray-green and slightly fuzzy. It produces small clusters of pink, lavender, or white flowers in summer. The plant forms a dense, mat-like clump and can be used as groundcover in gardens or grown in containers.
Thyme has a strong, earthy flavor with subtle minty, lemony, and slightly peppery notes. It adds depth and warmth to savory dishes like roasted meats, vegetables, stews, and soups. Its concentrated flavor intensifies when dried, making it a staple herb in Mediterranean and French cuisine.
Thyme is generally safe for dogs in small amounts and may even support digestive and respiratory health. However, large quantities can cause stomach upset. Always consult a veterinarian before offering thyme or any herb to pets, especially essential oils or concentrated extracts, which may be harmful.
Yes, thyme is a perennial herb that returns year after year in suitable climates. It thrives in USDA zones 5 to 9 and prefers well-drained soil and full sun. While evergreen in mild regions, it may die back in colder zones but regrows from the roots in spring.
To dry thyme, cut stems just before flowering and tie them in small bundles. Hang the bundles upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Once the leaves are crisp, strip them from the stems and store in airtight jars away from heat and light.
Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Herbs, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
Genus | Thymus |
Common names | Thyme |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" - 24" (30cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard |
Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Herbs, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
Genus | Thymus |
Common names | Thyme |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" - 24" (30cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard |
How many Thymus vulgaris (Common Thyme) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Thymus vulgaris (Common Thyme) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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