growing thyme indoors

Can thyme be grown indoors?

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a useful herb that can be used in a variety of ways. ... Growing thyme indoors requires plenty of sunshine and well drained soil. Growing thyme inside is one of the easiest indoor herbs to cultivate.

Does thyme need direct sunlight?

Thyme thrives in full sun and loves heat. If you are growing in a pot indoors, plant near a sunny window. Soil needs to drain well so there aren't “wet feet.” In the garden, plant with other drought-tolerant perennials.

Why does my thyme keep dying?

The most common reasons for thyme dying are: Thyme has root rot or fungal disease due to consistently damp soil. Thyme that is drooping and turning yellow because of damp soils or excess nitrogen in the soil due to additional fertilizer. Thyme plant that is turning brown, dry and dying back.

How often should you water thyme?

Water thyme plants to a depth of 1 inch every 10 to 15 days during the summer months. Cease watering in early autumn several weeks before the first rain. Water during the winter only if rainfall is very scant, with dry spells lasting more than two to three weeks. In that case, water to 1 inch every 10 to 15 days.

How long does it take for thyme to grow from seed?

Thymus vulgaris, common thyme is a shrub-like perennial. Easy to grow from seed though germination is slow taking from 14 to 28 days. Seeding best started indoors in a flat where temperature can be kept around 70°.

How do you keep herbs alive indoors?

Tidbits to keep in mind

Choose a pot that the herb has room to grow and stretch its roots. Too small of a pot, the roots will just keep circling around themselves, eventually strangling itself. ...
When it comes time to cut, cut no more than 1/3 of the plant off at once.
Don't let the herbs flower! ...
Watch for pests!

How do I make my thyme bushy?

Really, the more you trim your thyme, the more it grows. Cut fresh stems in the morning, leaving behind tough, woody portions. Leave behind at least five inches of growth, so that the plant can still flourish. Regular pruning not only encourages more growth, but also promotes a more rounded shape.

How long does thyme plant last?

Woody Thyme and Natural Dieback

Although thyme is a perennial, it may last only three or four years before it naturally begins to turn brown in the center. As thyme grows, the base of the stems turns brown and woody.

Does Rosemary need direct sunlight?

Most varieties grow best in well-drained, loamy, slightly acidic soil. The preferred soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0. Rosemary should receive at least 6 hours of sun each day; it grows best in full sun. ... Rosemary can be raised in a pot or in a garden.

Will my thyme plant grow back?

A majority of herbs are perennials throughout most of the United States. That means they come back year after year and usually get bigger or spread in territory each year. Some of our most-used cooking herbs are perennials, including sage, oregano and thyme.

How can you tell if thyme is bad?

How to tell if thyme is bad or spoiled? Thyme that is spoiling will typically become soft and discolored; discard any thyme that has an off smell or appearance.

Does thyme come back every year?

Perennial herbs like sage, thyme, lavender, chives and mint do not need to be replanted each year. ... Annual herbs can be cut back more severely since they do not overwinter and they will regrow quickly.

What do I feed thyme?

Once established, thyme won't need watering. If you're growing your plant in a container, give it a weekly feed from March until May with liquid seaweed.

Is thyme invasive?

This plant is considered an invasive species in some habitats, and tends to thrive in disturbed sites that are shady and poorly drained. Resources Resources New Customer Our Shipping Services. Weeds Taking Over Creeping Thyme - I recently planted my backyard in creeping thyme.

Can thyme survive winter?

Most selections of thyme (Thymus sp.) are hardy to USDA Zones 5 to 9 and marginally hardy to Zone 4 with added winter protection. In areas with cold winters, thyme is considered semi-evergreen, meaning that the plant will retain some of its foliage during winter but not all.

Should I soak thyme seeds before planting?

Seed Preparation: Thyme seeds do best with a little cold stratification or an overnight soak. For tips, visit our post, "The Dirt on Successful Seed Germination" and be sure to use fresh thyme seeds.

Is creeping thyme easy to grow from seed?

As mentioned, growing creeping thyme is a simple process due to its compatibility in a variety of soils and light exposures. ... Start seeds when growing creeping thyme indoors or they may be sown in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Plant creeping thyme 8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm.)

Is Thyme easy to grow?

Easy to grow, thyme needs little care except for a regular light pruning after the first year. Do this after the last spring frost, so that the plants do not get woody and brittle.

Why do my indoor herbs keep dying?

If a pot feels light, the soil is probably dry and ready for watering. Overwatering is the cause of far more plant deaths than under-watering. ... Don't do this, it won't help at all, and your plants will still die a slow death by drowning. Root systems need air, and when they don't get it, they rot and die.

How do you keep potted herbs alive indoors?

Minimum Temperature Needs For Your Potted Herbs

Most herbs need a warmth in order to grow. Keep them in rooms that are at least 65-75°F during the day, and no less than 55-60°F at night. Even though many herbs can survive at lower temperatures, they are unlikely to produce much growth under those conditions.

How long do indoor herbs last?

Annual herbs will only live over one season and are expected to live from only 1-4 months, depending upon the plant before they will stop leaf production, make flowers, and go to seed. An exception to the rule is Parsley which is biennial and lives for about 1 year before going to seed.