Lemon Thyme Seeds

Plant your Lemon Thyme seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last expected frost date. Simply scatter them across the surface of your seed starting mix, as they don't need to be buried, or press them in just 1/16 inch deep, at most. In fact, light actually faster germination time. Keep Thymus Pulegioides seeds at 65–70°F, and expect 14–28 days before you see sprouts — some batches pop at two weeks, others stretch closer to four. Once seedlings show two true leaves, thin to the strongest ones and transplant after frost risk has passed.

Lemon Thyme herb requires in full sun, as partial shade results in weak, leggy growth that doesn't form a tight mat as desired. Drainage is also important, since clay soil retains water at the roots, and plant starts to rot. Sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH are best. Water generously after planting, and then step back. Once established, the Lemon Thyme plant becomes drought-tolerant, and overwatering is far more likely to be your enemy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, especially in containers.

Space plants about 20 inches apart, as crowding holds in moisture and promotes fungal problems. A light trim after the first flush of blooms keeps the plant compact and encourages second blooming. Feed once in early spring with a slow release fertilizer. Beyond that, Lemon Thyme herb requires very little. In zones 4-5, a light mulch in the winter protects roots from hard freezes. If growing in pots, be prepared to repot annually, since the roots outgrow the container quickly.

You can harvest around 85–90 days by cutting growth about 2 inches above the ground. Dry the leaves in shade if you want to save them for kitchen use.