When growing thyme, success not only depends on the right location and soil conditions, but also on the right fertilizer. The hunger artist thyme should only be fertilized sparingly, since an oversupply can lead to the plants wilting and even dying.
Pay attention to the right nutrient composition
Commercially available complete fertilizers mainly contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium - components that are essential for plant growth. But nitrogen in particular should only be used with care, because the plants may "shoot up quickly" but are also quickly over-fertilized. Thyme planted in the garden does not really need any fertilizer at all, apart from an application or two of lime and compost at the beginning of the growing season.
Prefer organic fertilizer
Lime in particular is - as with many Mediterranean plants - important for the thriving of thyme and should therefore be worked into the soil in spring, before it sprout again. Fresh compost is also very suitable for enriching the garden soil with nutrients. On the other hand, it is better not to use complete fertilizers or manure that is rich in nitrogen.
Fertilize thyme in the pot
In contrast to garden thyme, thyme in the pot cannot provide itself with sufficient nutrients, which is why regular fertilization is essential. But even here it is important not to overdo it. Fertilize your balcony or patio plants about every four to six weeks with diluted complete fertilizer. Even better, however, is a special herbal fertilizer whose composition has been optimized to the needs of Mediterranean herbs. Start carefully with the fertilization from around March / April and slowly increase the doses. By mid-August at the latest, however, fertilizers should no longer be used so that the plants can adjust to the winter. Potted thyme should also be supplied with lime at the beginning of the growing season.
tips and tricks
As soon as the leaves of thyme turn light green to yellowish, but the leaf veins are prominent, there is most likely an iron deficiency. You can remedy this with a commercially available iron fertilizer. Rolled up or dying leaves, on the other hand, are usually an indication of a lack of trace elements, e.g. B. Bor. A special fertilizer can help.