Thyme: So many thymes so few gardens

When ever we visit another garden center or a plant trade show, Nancy usually warns me, " We don't need any more Thymes or Mints!".  When it comes to the thymes invariably I find one more I just really feel like we need to try.  The variety and differences of form, flower and fragrance among the thymes is truly outstanding.  Undoubtedly there is a thyme that can be used in your gardens.

History  and Folklore Thymus may derived from a Greek word meaning courage.  Originating in the Mediterranean region there are many examples of folklore pointing  to this belief. Roman Soldiers bathed in Thyme water to give themselves vigor and courage in battle.  In the middle ages, European ladies embroidered a sprig of thyme on tokens sent into battle with their knights .  A recipe that dates to 1663 records the use of a soup made with thyme and beer to overcome shyness.  Scottish highlanders drank tea made of wild thyme to prevent nightmares and for strength and courage.  

Wild Thyme was given the species name serpyllum , possibly  due to the plant's creeping snakelike appearance and in reference to the ancient treatment of snakebites and the bites of poisonous sea creatures with Thyme. The plant was burned in ancient Roman times to deter scorpions.

Cultivation

Thyme is a versatile plant that can grow in many different locations; however it is at its best when grown in a hot sunny location.  It is a drought tolerant plant that thrives with little water once it is established.  It is actually more aromatic when it is stressed by drought somewhat.  Do not over water thymes, particularly the creeping varieties that tend to be more prone to root and stem rot in extended wet periods.   Well drained soils are best and they will thrive in stony soils.  

Common thyme may be grown from seed and the seed should not be covered as they require light to germinate.  The named varieties of thyme do not produce true from seed and should be propagated by layering stems in the spring or autumn.  Root clumps may also be divided in the fall to create more plants on some of the more vigorous varieties.  

Space plants 9 -12 inches apart in bed.  It may be helpful to thin plant spacing in the early spring.  In the summer prune plants frequently to maintain neat appearances and to encourage new leafy growth throughout the season.  The culinary and upright thymes tend to be vigorous growers and will produce a great deal of growth each year.  

'Pink Chintz' thyme growing in the rocky soil with low water near Las Vegas

Uses of Thyme   

Thyme is onoe of our most common culinary herbs and is most often used to flavor meat dishes.  The many different growth habits and ease of culture also makes it a great landscaping plant that works well as a fragrant and often colorful groundcover.  It lends itself well to use in containers gardens as well. It may also be used around the household as a disinfectant and its teas may have a calming and soothing effect.  

Thyme may be easily dried and stored in air tight containers for use when fresh is not available.  

Culinary:  Thyme is a very easy to use herb that may be used with a wide variety of meats.  It is often used with game and stew recipes where it gives a hearty warming flavor.  Thyme aids digestion of fatty foods such as pork and lamb.  Use thyme in marinades, stuffing, sauces and soups.  Use fresh thyme sparingly as it is extra pungent when fresh and can become overpowering.  Lemon scented thymes are particularly good when used with poultry and fish as well as hot vegetable dishes. 

Dried thyme is easily used when fresh is not available.  

The best culinary varieties are English and French thyme.  Lemon and Lime scented thymes are also very good when a citrus zest is desired.  Silver leaf thyme also has good culinary value. 

Landscaping:  We sell a great deal of thymes simply for landscape use and they are very effective for this.  Many of the creeping varieties have interesting foliage colors and textures as well as the added attraction of a fragrant carpet when walked on.  Many of the creeping forms may be very colorful when in bloom.  If you want a super low growing thyme for stepping stone uses there are many that will work but 'Elfin Thyme' is unmatched as far as tiny leaves that grow tight to the ground.  'Pink Chintz', Red and White Flowering Creeping thymes also work well if you want a little more flower show.  

If you do much with container gardens, don't overlook the potential in thymes.  They may be used as a mounding form with English thyme and Silver thyme.  Need a fine textured plant to trail over the edge try one of the creeping thymes or 'Mother of Thyme' which tends to be more vigorous but trails well.  

Household and Medicinal:  Thyme is very useful around the household.  It may be used as a disinfectant and may also be decocted and made into a household spray to prevent mold. Thyme attracts bees and its honey is much sought after.  

Dried thyme may be steeped into a tea and used to relieve sore throats and coughs.  It should be sweetened with honey and lemon to make more palatable.  Thyme teas also help to aid digestion and relieve insomnia.  Its hearty aroma helps to fight chills and cold.  To prepare a thyme tea, place 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves into a tea ball.  Place in cup, add boiling water, cover and allow to steep for 3 minutes.  Sweeten to taste using honey.  May flavor with lemon juice as well.  

Our Plants:  Our plants are sold in 4 inch pots that are ready to be planted.  This is a good size for thymes and an excellent value to you as a consumer.  

Recipes