Thyme Seeds - English

How to Grow English Thyme 

English thyme is the culinary variety of thyme and grows in a bushy manner. English thyme needs full sun and they like to grow in well-draining soil. If you work primarily with clay soils, amend with sand and organic matter, though thyme can thrive in poor soils. English thyme is perennial in many climates so plant it in a location it can spread.

Plant English thyme from seed in the spring. It can be seeded and grown indoors to be transplanted or direct seeded outdoors. It tends to be a slow starter so be patient as it germinates and keep it well-watered. 

Once established, English thyme can spread and become woody. It will benefit from pruning that will reinvigorate its growth. Prune back in early spring and again in late summer after the plants finish flowering. In colder climates, consider mulching in the winter with a couple inches or straw to protect it from freezing temperatures. Remove the mulch in early spring.

How to Plant English Thyme 

English thyme seeds are extremely small so when seeding, lightly press three to five seeds into the surface of the soil. You will need to thin them if more than one germinates. Use a high quality seed starting mix and keep your starts evenly watered. This is especially important leading up to germination. Thyme seeds germinate best in 65-75 degrees so you may consider using a heat mat while it’s still cold. English thyme will germinate in 14 to 21 days.

When to Plant English Thyme 

Seed English thyme indoors eight to twelve weeks before your last frost date. This will ensure it has enough time to germinate and grow before transplanting time. 

You can transplant English thyme outside after the danger of frost has passed and when they have three to four inches of growth on them. English thyme can be transplanted into containers or directly in the ground.