Like so many Mediterranean herbs, the numerous types of thyme also belong to the large lamiaceae family (Lamiaceae). If you want to grow these plants, you should always consider the special requirements of Mediterranean plants.

Which location does thyme prefer?

Thyme needs a location that is as sunny and sheltered as possible. A spot in full sun on a heat-emitting house wall or similar, where the sensitive subshrub is adequately protected from various weather conditions, is best suited. Incidentally, thyme - like all Mediterranean herbs - is only partially hardy.

Is thyme annual or perennial?

Thyme (botanically thymus) is also a perennial subshrub that becomes lignified with age. However, thymes in our latitudes usually do not get very old; unless you take really good care of your herbs and winter them appropriately.

What should the earth be like?

The starving artist thyme needs a loose, sandy soil. The plant forms - typical for Mediterranean plants - a very deep taproot, with the help of which it can provide itself with sufficient water and nutrients even in very dry and nutrient-poor locations. Heavy or loamy soils, on the other hand, are not very suitable. Instead, you should pay attention to a neutral to basic pH value between 7 and 8 - this is optimal.

Can thyme also be grown on the balcony?

In a sufficiently large and deep pot, thyme can also thrive on the balcony without any problems. As a pure houseplant, on the other hand, it usually does not feel well at all.

Planting / sowing thyme

The seeds of thyme are very fine, which is why direct sowing is not recommended - especially since it is a light germinator. For this reason, you should prefer thyme on the windowsill or under glass as early as March, if possible, and prick out the young plants in individual pots. From the end of May / beginning of June, the self-grown thyme plants can finally be put into the bed. If necessary, you should prepare your garden soil beforehand, for example by mixing soil that is too rich with sand. By the way, the herb pots that are often available in the supermarket are usually not very good, the plants that are raised too quickly usually die quickly. It is better to either grow thyme yourself or to buy young plants in the appropriate garden shop.

Transplant thyme

In particular, thyme cultivated in pots or window boxes (€109.00) must be transplanted from time to time. For this purpose, you should carefully lift the plant, including all of its roots, out of the plant container that has become too small. Thyme planted in the garden should be cut out as extensively as possible so that no roots are damaged.

At what distance should thyme be planted?

A planting distance of 25 x 25 centimeters is ideal.

When can you harvest?

You can harvest thyme all year round. To do this, simply cut off the young leaves in the required amount.

Dry / Freeze Thyme

The aromatic leaves - only harvest the young ones! - Can easily be frozen. Shortly before flowering, you can also cut off whole stems and hang them up to dry.

tips and tricks

The Mediterranean herb goes well with other Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, oregano, lavender or sage. But ornamental grasses and ornamental onion plants also harmonize very well.

Category:

Herbs