Herb · Woody / Perennial Herb
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
A low, woody Mediterranean perennial grown for its tiny, intensely aromatic leaves. Thrives on neglect in lean, well-drained soil and is slow but long-lived once established.
At a glance
Water
Low
10–20 fl oz/wk
Light
Full sun
6–8 hrs/day
Space
Small
16 in
To maturity
75–90 days
Edible parts: Leaves
Family: Mint
Includes basil, rosemary, sage, and mint. Recognizable by square stems and fragrant, oil-rich leaves.
Harvest
Snip sprigs as needed once the plant is established; flavour is best just before flowering.
Growing conditions
- Temperature
- 30–90 °F
- Soil pH
- 6–8
- Soil type
- Lean, sandy or loamy, very well-draining soil
- Climate
- Cold-hardy Mediterranean perennial, evergreen in milder climates.
- Growing season
- Plant in spring after the last frost; established plants persist for years.
- Nitrogen
- Low (≈10–25 ppm)
- Humidity
- Low (≈30–50 %)
- Planting unit
- Cutting
- Feeding schedule
- Rarely needs feeding; low fertility soil is preferred and produces the best flavour.
- Pest resistance
- High - largely trouble-free once established
- Pruning
- Trim back lightly after flowering to keep growth compact; avoid cutting into old woody stems, which regrow poorly.
Where it grows
- Container / PotIdeal— Excellent drainage matters more than pot size; terracotta helps avoid overly wet roots.
- In-Ground GardenIdeal— Perennial and drought-tolerant once established.
- Raised BedIdeal
- WindowsillPossible— Needs bright light and good airflow; prone to root rot if overwatered indoors.
- HydroponicNot recommended— Woody, low-fertility-loving growth habit doesn't suit standard hydroponic systems.
- Vertical / TrellisNot recommended— No climbing or vining habit; low, spreading form.
Companions & antagonists
- Beneficial: Kale — Reported to help repel the small white butterfly responsible for laying cabbage-worm eggs.
- Beneficial: Cauliflower — Same pest-deterrent effect against cabbage-worm moths as with other brassicas.
Sources
- Spice Up Your Life: A Beginner's Guide to Growing Thyme — UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County
- Companion Vegetable Garden Plants — Ask Extension