Thyme / Common Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
description
Thyme is a compact Mediterranean herb with tiny strongly flavoured leaves.
benefits
- Edible
- Suitable for containers
How to care for Thyme
sunlight
Native to sunny, dry Mediterranean slopes, thyme grows best where light is strong and direct. Give it your brightest windowsill or a sunny outdoor spot.
Full sun
Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. A south- or west-facing window is ideal indoors. In weaker light, thyme becomes sparse and less fragrant, so use a grow light if your brightest spot is still dim.
watering
Let thyme's potting mix dry well between waterings. It comes from dry, sunny Mediterranean ground and is far more likely to suffer from soggy roots than a short dry spell.
Spring - summer
In active growth, water about every 7-10 days, or only when the mix is dry at least halfway down the pot. Soak thoroughly, then let excess water drain away. A small terracotta pot in hot sun may dry sooner.
Autumn - winter
In cooler, lower light conditions, water roughly every 2-3 weeks after the mix has dried almost completely. Check deeper than the surface, especially in a large pot or dense soil.
Adjust the timing for sun, heat, pot size and material, and how freely the mix drains. Water less often in shade, humid rooms, or containers without drainage.
humidity
Everyday humidity
Common thyme comes from dry, breezy Mediterranean slopes, so average household air suits it well. Aim for 30-50% relative humidity, with good airflow. It does not need a humid room.
Very dry air below about 25% for long periods can leave new tips crisp, leaves brittle, and growth slow, especially near radiators. Check watering too, as dry soil causes similar symptoms.
- Use a small humidifier nearby only if the air stays very dry.
- Keep leaves dry and give the plant space for air to move around it.
temperature
Preferred temperature
Protect potted plants below
Common thyme comes from sunny Mediterranean slopes, but established plants are more cold-hardy than they look. It handles summer warmth well when its roots stay dry and the air moves freely. In winter, cold is most damaging when a pot stays wet or repeatedly freezes and thaws.
nutrition
March - August
Thyme is a light feeder. In a pot, feed about once a month with a balanced liquid herb fertilizer at half strength while it is actively growing. Skip feeding in autumn and winter, and do not fertilize plants that are not putting on new growth.
Nitrogen
Some nitrogen supports fresh leafy growth, but too much makes thyme soft, leggy, and less intensely flavoured. A gentle, balanced feed is enough.
Potassium
Potassium supports sturdy growth and helps thyme cope with the dry, sunny conditions it prefers. A general herb fertilizer supplies sufficient amounts.
soil
Gritty, fast-draining soil
Thyme comes from dry Mediterranean ground, so its roots need air and should not stay wet. Use a light potting mix loosened with coarse sand, grit, or perlite, and avoid rich, water-holding compost.
pH 6,0 - 8,0
Thyme is happiest in neutral to mildly alkaline soil. Most general-purpose mixes work well, especially if mixed with grit; avoid strongly acidic ericaceous compost.