Thyme – Winter

Thymus vulgaris. The common thyme – here the “winter” cultivar – is a condiment plant with small, very aromatic leaves and a slightly bitter, peppery taste. The semi-woody stems and the pink-lilac flowers are also consumed. This cultivar with the rounded port which can reach 30 cm in height and which tolerates the drought. Like oregano, it keeps very well dried. Hardiness zones: 3,4 and 5.

Growing tips

Germination conditions:

depth of sowing: 2.5 mm or on the surface (press the seeds lightly into the soil, but do not cover them)

optimal temperature for germination: 15 to 22ºC

time for germination: 14 to 21 days

When to sow:

sow indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last date in your area OR

direct seeding after any risk of frost, when the soil is warmed up

Sowing technique: in pocket

Inside the same hole, sow 3 to 5 seeds spaced 1 to 2 cm apart; when the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have reached a height of 5 cm, keep all the plants if space is available or keep only the best plants.

for indoor seedlings: transplant into individual containers while waiting for transplanting in the garden OR

for direct seedlings: transplant to their final location in the garden

Transplanting outdoors (for seedlings started indoors):

When all risk of frost is removed

Distance in the garden:

between plants: 25 cm

between rows: 45 cm

Height of the plants: 30 cm

Soil: rich and well drained

Exposure: sun

Days to harvest: 90 days

QUICK STATS

Number of seeds: ±1000

Difficulty: Easy

Type: Heirloom / Open pollinated

Lifecycle:Perennial

Additional information

Weight            1 g

Difficulty         

Easy

Sowing          

Direct, Indoor

Lifecycle        

Perennial

Root cellar     

No

Sowing season        

Spring, Summer