Common Thyme Seeds

Thymus Vulgaris
Regular price $6.99
Regular price $9.99 Sale price $6.99
Sale Sold out
Pack Size
40% OFF - The Best Value
50% OFF - The Best Value
Quantity
View full details

About

Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) is a woody evergreen subshrub from the Mediterranean and southern Europe. It grows on dry, rocky slopes with poor soil and full sun. This 8 inches tall plant spreads and forms a dense ground cover. Plant features small grey-green leaves that smell strongly when you brush against them and small pale-pink to lilac flowers. In USDA Zones 5–12 it blooms throughout all summer and attracts honeybees and butterflies consistently. The leaves are used fresh or dried in cooking for seasoning lamb, poultry or lemon-based sauces.

Quick Facts

Life Cycle
Life Cycle Perennial
USDA Zones
USDA Zones 05–10
Light Requirements
Light Requirements Full sun; Part sun
Germination Time
Germination Time up to 28 days
Stratification
Stratification Not required
Spacing
Spacing 9-12 inches
Sowing Method
Sowing Method Direct Sow; Start Indoors
Soil
Soil Well-drained; Sandy; Dry
Flowering Period
Flowering Period Summer
Water Requirements
Water Requirements Moderate (regular watering)
Maturity Time
Maturity Time 75-90 days
Growing Habit
Growing Habit Ground Cover; Spreading

How to Grow & Harvest

Sowing & Timing

Start Common Thyme seeds indoors 5–6 weeks before your last frost date. Sow 1/4 inch deep in seed trays and keep soil temperature at 70°F minimum. Keep seedlings out of direct sunlight at this stage and water moderately. Trays should stay moist but never sit in standing water. Germination can take up to 28 days, which is longer than most herbs. Don't direct sow Thymus Vulgaris Common Thyme outdoors, as it almost always fails.

Soil, Watering & Fertilization

Thyme needs full sun, at least 6 hours a day. Herb prefers sandy, dry, well-drained soil. Water regularly at first growing stages, but once established, you can back off, as Common Thyme doesn't need it and too much moisture causes root rot. For container growing, use a gritty mix and make sure the pot drains well. Transplant seedlings 9–12 inches apart, after the last frost when soil has warmed up. It doesn’t need any fertilizer, as lean soil produces more aromatic, flavorful leaves

Growth & Harvest

Starting from the second spring, prune plants to about half their height to keep the plant compact and encourage fresh tender stems each spring. Mulch around the base to keep lower leaves clean. Harvest fresh leaves throughout the season, or dry cut stems and store them. Dried Thyme holds its flavor for months.

FAQ

Are these Common Thyme seeds for sale non-GMO?

Yes, at KVITER you can buy open-pollinated and non-GMO Common Thyme seeds. Premium quality Thymus Vulgaris Common Thyme seeds are available to buy directly from KVITER. Orders above $49 ship free, so if you're stocking up on herb seeds for the season, it's a practical reason to bundle your order and save on shipping.

Is Common Thyme easy to grow?

For the most part, yes. The germination stage needs attention, especially soil temperature and moisture have to be right, but once plants are established outdoors, they need very little from you. 

Can Common Thyme be grown in containers?

It grows well in pots and window boxes. Just use fast-draining soil mix and a container with drainage holes. Also, potted plants can be moved indoors during harsh winters in colder zones.

What are good companion plants for Thyme?

Plant it near brassicas, like cabbage, broccoli, kale, and it will deter cabbage butterfly. It also works alongside rosemary, Lavender, and sage. In the vegetable garden, tomatoes and eggplant are solid neighbors.