Thymus vulgaris aka Garden Thyme

Taxonomy

Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as common thyme, German thyme, garden thyme, or just thyme, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae. Native to southern Europe, it can be found from the western Mediterranean to southern Italy. This compact, mat-forming, evergreen subshrub grows to a height of 15-30 cm (6-12 in) and a width of 40 cm (16 in). It has small, highly aromatic, grey-green leaves and clusters of purple or pink flowers that bloom in early summer. Thyme is often used as groundcover in gardens and can be easily propagated from cuttings. Apart from its ornamental value, it is also widely used as a culinary ingredient and herbal medicine. Thyme is slightly spicier than oregano and sweeter than sage. The Latin specific epithet vulgaris refers to its common and widespread nature. Found mainly in the southern part of Italy, Thymus vulgaris belongs to the perennial plants with a straight stem that can reach up to 20 cm (0.66 feet) in size. Its leaves are gray-green in color, and the flowers come in various shades of pink or white. In the wild, thyme can be found in forest regions.

Common names

Garden Thyme, Thyme, English Thyme

How to care for Garden Thyme

Difficulty

Garden Thyme presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Garden Thyme should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Garden Thyme loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Garden Thyme thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your English Thyme.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Garden Thyme to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Garden Thyme is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Garden Thyme. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Garden Thyme is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Garden Thyme’s native range is temperate Europe, North Africa, and Asia.

Flower

Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Garden Thyme blooming.


More info:
Wikipedia