Thymus

This is a group of hardy sub-shrubs and herbaceous plants, which grow wild in the northern temperate regions and more so in the Mediterranean region. Thymus belongs to the Mint family, Labiateae. These plants look great in the rock and wall garden; there are several tiny kinds and the creeping varieties are wonderful for planting in the crevices of paved paths. Some Thymuses are valued as herbs and others are used as decoration.

Thyme (T. vulgaris) - This hardy perennial is the most valued of the culinary Thymes and includes the classes called English Thyme, French Thyme, and German Winter Thyme. They are all woody, shrubby plants with compact, erect stems that grow up to a foot high and 2 feet wide in bloom. The green or blue-green leaves are very small; English Thyme has broad leaves, French Thyme has slender leaves, and the leaves of German Winter Thyme have good winter color. They bear lavender colored flowers. They are popular landscape plants between stepping stones or bordering herb gardens.

Lemon Thyme (T. vulgaris citriodorus) - Lemon Thyme is a creeping plant that grows up to 8 inches high and 2 feet wide. Many short, soft, upright stems rise up from the runners and root at the nodes. The leaves are small, glossy and dark green and they have a wonderful lemony scent. In the summer, the plants produce pale lilac flowers. Golden Thyme is a cultivar.

Ornamental - T. Serpyllum, the Creeping Thyme or Mother-of-Thyme, is a native of northern Africa, Europe, and Asia, and is naturalized in North America. This fragrant, creeping plant has tiny, dark green leaves and in June, produces heads of mauve or purple flowers. T. Serphyllum pseudolanuginosus, the Silvery-Gray Thyme, is a very handsome plant with its leaves thickly covered with silky gray fuzz. Their flowers are inconspicuous, being sparse and having an unnoticeable lilac color. The real beauty lies in the silvery foliage. T. Herbabarona, the Seedcake Thyme, is a prostrate creeping plant, resembling T. Serpyllum, except its leaves are thicker, larger and more fleshy. The pale lilac flowers grow in heads. The plant has a strong scent of Caraway, thus the name Seedcake Thyme. T. nitidus is probably the most beautiful of the bush Thymes. It develops into a small, twiggy shrub about 18 inches high. It is covered with tiny, gray-green leaves and in June and July have small rose-lilac flowers.

Pot Cultivation

Thyme - This herb needs a place in full sun and dry soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. In regions with high humidity, fungus diseases may damage or kill the foliage. Old plants tend to develop an open center; to remedy this, divide them every 3 to 5 years, or replace them. To harvest, cut 2 to 3 inches off of the branch tips. When they begin to bloom in the spring, prune back halfway and feed and water heavily. Fresh Thyme has an intense, warm scent and blends well with other strong herbs for flavoring meats, stews and soups. It also dries nicely and holds its flavor. Thyme can be grown as a standard (in a miniature tree form). All lateral and side shoots should be pinched off of a young plant as soon as they appear. Keep the stem tied to a central stake and when it reaches 18 to 24 inches high, pinch the tip. A few branches are allowed to grow just beneath where the tip was pinched. When these branches are 2 or 3 inches long, they are pinched and branches that grow from them are also pinched. This treatment is done until a compact, round head forms.

Lemon Thyme - This plant prefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. It may succumb to foliage diseases in the humid South, and needs mulching where winters are harsh. This herb produces a lot of branched tips to harvest. Cut only half of the plant back, leaving at least 2 inches of basal growth. When that section has grown back, cut the other half. The leaves may be used fresh or dried. Add to clear broths and soups just before serving.
Ornamental - These plants prefer sandy, light, well-drained soil in a sunny position.

Propagation

Thyme - French or German Winter Thyme is started from seeds sown indoors in early spring; English Thyme is increased by cuttings or by purchasing plants. Seedlings are easily transplanted in late spring, after they've been hardened off. Established plants may be increased by division in the spring or by layering.
Lemon Thyme - Start Lemon Thyme from potted plants or rooted cuttings in late spring or early autumn.
Ornamental - Thymuses may be increased by cuttings, which are rooted in sand, or division.