Thyme - Common

Thyme – Common (Perennial)

A low-growing, bushy evergreen shrub with tiny green leaves and delicate purple flowers adored by bees and butterflies. Perfect for containers, herb gardens, or the front of borders, Common Thyme is a versatile culinary star, flavouring stuffings, poultry, lamb, fish, and forming the backbone of classic bouquet garni.

Planting

• Location: Plant in beds or containers in well-drained soil or compost.

• Sunlight: Full sun is ideal for strong, aromatic growth.

• Space: Allow room for spreading up to 40cm.

Care

• Watering: Keep well watered until established; afterwards, only water when soil feels dry.

• Maintenance: Trim lightly to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth.

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil to prevent root rot.

Height & Spread
15 – 30cm × 20 – 30cm

Harvesting

• Method: Snip leaves with scissors or fingertips as needed.

• Timing: Harvest in the morning when essential oils are at their peak.

• Frequency: Avoid taking more than a third of the plant at once to ensure continuous growth.

Top Tips

• Culinary Uses: Perfect for flavouring poultry, lamb, fish, stuffings, and bouquet garni.

• Pollinator Friendly: Purple flowers attract bees and butterflies.

• Container Friendly: Thrives in pots, making it ideal for patios or small gardens.