When using thyme for culinary purposes, it is best to harvest the leaves just before flowering when the essential oils are at their peak. The plant is low maintenance, but it should be trimmed when it gets leggy. They are intolerant to wet soils or poor drainage. They prefer well-drained soils and can tolerate drought once they are established.
#Thymus flower full
Thyme grows best in full sun and dry, sandy, or rocky soils. The word thyme may also have been derived from the Greek word, thymos, meaning "perfume." The origin of the word, "thyme," is from the Greek word, thumos, which means "courage." During Medieval times thyme was thought to be an emblem of bravery, strength, and courage. The essential oils of the thyme leaves have been used to make perfumes, antiseptics, expectorants, and deodorants. Other species, such as Wooly Thyme (Thymus praecox), may be used as lawn substitutes. Some species, such as Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum), are used primarily as groundcovers. Different species have a variety of flavors and fragrances that include caraway, lemon, nutmeg, orange, and oregano. They are native to Greenland, the temperate and subtropical areas of Euroasia, and Northeast Tropical Africa.Ĭommon Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is often used in cooking to flavor soups, stews, sauces, and meats. The species has various sizes and growth habits. Thyme has been cultivated for centuries as an ornamental or for culinary use. It is best to cut larger quantities for drying or freezing before the plants flower.The genus, Thymus, is a member of the Lamiaceae or Mint family and has about 350 different species of perennial herbaceous plants and evergreen shrubs. Take care to avoid spoiling the overall shape of the plant. Thyme can be picked all year round, but the flavour is strongest during summer.Ĭut off small sprigs with scissors for immediate use as needed. Soft growth, promoted by rich soils or overfeeding with high nitrogen plant foods, may encourage aphids. Thyme is rarely troubled by any pests or diseases. Trim plants after flowering with secateurs or shears to keep them compact and to promote fresh, new growth. Give plants a liquid feed during summer to improve growth, flavour and flowering. Thyme doesn’t like rich soil, but will benefit from a light feeding of a high potash plant food in spring. Ensure plants in pots are not allowed to completely dry out. Thyme will rarely need watering apart from during very prolonged periods of dry or drought conditions in summer. Suggested planting locations and garden typesįlower borders and beds, patios, containers, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, ground cover. Plant small plants in very well-drained soil, with added compost and/or grit to improve drainage.Īlthough plants are fairly drought tolerant when established, they need watering in until well established.Īdd a mulch of horticultural grit or gravel around plants to prevent moisture sitting at the base of the plant.
Thyme is a highly ornamental and colourful herb that deserves its place in the garden – let alone for its culinary uses. It is perfect in many poultry, meat and fish dishes, as well as casseroles and stews, and a main ingredient of Italian dishes and bouquet garnish. Thyme has many uses in cooking and elsewhere in the kitchen.
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