Are you wondering about the ideal conditions for growing thyme? If so, then we have got your back! In this article, we will discuss all the growing requirements necessary for the same.
Thyme is a herb that’s popular for adding versatile flavors to fishes, soups, and stuffings. It is pretty easy to grow and looks phenomenal in the garden.
Not just that, thyme has 200 different varieties to select from. You can use its flowers, leaves, and oils for both medicinal and food purposes.
Now, with all this information, you must be thinking about how to grow thyme in your garden. Read through to know more:
Things Required to Grow Thyme
When growing thyme in your garden, you must have all the herb-growing accessories like pots, equipment, and seedlings with you. Additionally, you should also be aware of the growing conditions listed below:
Sun: Full sun
Soil pH: Acidic to Alkaline
Hardiness zone: 5 to 9 USDA
Spacing: 6-12 inches between plants; 16-24 inches between rows
Water: Regular to keep the moist soil
Harvest: 105 days after planting
Depth: 1/4-inch seed depth
Soil Requirements for Thyme
Thyme requires well-drained soil that lies within a pH of 5 to 8. It’s best to get calcareous soil with a pH of around seven and ensure that there is good drainage. You can also try out other soil types like sandy or loamy, but the good news is it can thrive well even in rocky gravel.
You should emphasize more on the drainage of the soil as it is more likely to suffer from root rots if not taken care of. Additionally, you should also analyze the soil for any nutrient deficiencies and apply manure/fertilizer, if necessary.
How to Grow Thyme?
Once you know all the growing conditions, it’s time to come to the main part, i.e., growing thyme. Before you move on to its plantation process, make sure you have seeds and cuttings of the thyme.
We are going to discuss two methods: planting thyme from seeds/cutting and pots. Make sure to select a method as per your preference and follow the below steps:
Growing Thyme from Seeds/Cuttings
To grow thyme from the seeds, start by buying seeds from gardening stores or online. Once you have the seeds, sow them about 4 to 6 inches apart and 5 to 6 seeds every inch.
Note that thyme seeds can be tiny, so it’s best not to go overboard with their sowing. Start by sowing it shallowly or press it into the soil with a fine layer sprinkled on the top. Then, gently scatter the soil over the seeds and water the plant as required.
Similarly, if you are growing thyme from the cuttings, place it in a couple of inches of water as per the size of the cuttings. Make sure atleast one or two nodes are submerged in the water, and there aren’t any leaves on its edge.
Once it develops roots, start with the transplantation process. Dig a wide hole to place the cuttings and cover the roots with soil or potting mix. Water it as required, and your job is done.
Growing Thyme in Pots
Start by choosing a pot for your thyme plant. It’s best to choose a pot that’s about 15 cm or 5,9 inches deep. Next, cover the bottom of the pot with 2 cm or 0.78 inches of drainage pipe to ensure proper drainage. You can also try pots with holes for the same.
Add your soil after preparing it through vermiculite. Sow the seeds and wet the soil with water through the sprayer. Keep the pot under shade until the first shoot appears to prevent any burning.
Growing Thyme Indoors and Outdoors
Whether you are growing thyme indoors or outdoors, there isn’t much difference between the requirements. Except for indoor plantation, you will require a container/pot and a place with a bright full sun.
If you are growing thyme outdoors, make sure to find the sunniest spot in your garden. In both cases, do not overwater the plant by any means.
How to Maintain Thyme?
To maintain the thyme plant and ensure its good growth, try out the steps mentioned below:
- Test the pH of the soil with a good pH testing kit and maintain the recommended range of 5 to 8.
- Add in the horticultural sand at the base of the thyme to mulch and keep the water evenly distributed in the soil.
- Apply 10-10-10 ratio fertilizer each spring season.
- After the last frost in spring, cut the plant by one-third.
So that’s how you grow thyme plants in your garden. Follow these steps, and you will soon have a thriving plant for food and medicinal purposes.
