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Common Thyme

Photos are representative and may not match your specific variety.

Common Thyme

Herb

Thymus vulgaris

  • Full sun
  • Zones 5–9
  • 90 days to maturity
  • Herbs
  • 9" spacing
  • Low water
  • Perennial
  • pH 6–8
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  • Overview

    Common Thyme is a compact, woody perennial herb with tiny, narrow green leaves and delicate pink or purple flowers. Reaching maturity in 90-95 days, it becomes a robust ground cover perfect for edging and containers. This Mediterranean native thrives in poor, well-drained soil and is remarkably cold-hardy. Its earthy, minty flavor with warm, pungent undertones makes it essential for cooking—particularly valued in French cuisine and Mediterranean dishes. More cold-tolerant than most culinary herbs, Common Thyme delivers consistent flavor year-round and rarely suffers from serious pest issues.

  • Planting

    Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Seeds are tiny and slow to germinate. Easier to propagate from cuttings or plant divisions.

  • Growing

    Sun: full. Water: low. Soil pH: 6–8. Space plants 9" apart. Germination: 14-28.

  • Pests & diseases

    Common pests: Spider mites, aphids (rarely serious problems). Common diseases: Root rot in poorly drained soils, botrytis in humid conditions.