Lemon Thyme Herbs How To Grow Lemon Thyme Plants

Provide your plant with full sun, and remember that lemon thyme can handle hot and dry conditions more than it can a cool, damp soil and root system. Plant lemon thyme in the spring in full sunlight, with plants spaced about 12 inches apart. Make sure that your soil's drainage is ample, and avoid overwatering.

Does lemon thyme spread?

pulegioides), lemon thyme is an erect woody based plant with a spreading habitat and thus, may need to be cut back in order to control the spread or remove unsightly woody stems. Lemon thyme plants will thrive when pruned and can even be trimmed into tiny hedges.

How long does lemon thyme take to grow?

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°.

What is the difference between thyme and lemon thyme?

Lemon thyme and common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) look almost exactly alike. Even an experienced cook can have a hard time telling the difference using appearance alone. Where the two differ is in the area of scent. Lemon thyme combines the earthy, woody notes of garden thyme with a lemony fragrance.

Does lemon thyme come back every year?

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.

Why is my lemon thyme 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.

Can you use lemon thyme instead of thyme?

Not only will you get a similar flavor, your dish will look the same since there will be thyme leaves in it. If you decide to use this substitute, a ratio of 1 part lemon zest to 3 parts common thyme should provide you with a good approximation of the lemon thyme flavor.

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.

Does lemon thyme need full sun?

Lemon thyme looks great in a pot. Light requirements: Full sun is ideal, but plants can grow in part shade. Planting: Space 12 to 24 inches apart, depending on type.

Does lemon thyme repel mosquitoes?

Lemon Thyme

To keep mosquitoes away, cut a stem or two, crush the leaves in your fingers and rub on your skin. ... Crushed lemon thyme has 62 percent of the mosquito-repelling activity of DEET.

What type of thyme is best for cooking?

Dozens of varieties are available, but those interested in the best culinary thymes have only a handful of choices. Those best for flavor, as well as ease of use, are the low-growing, shrubby ones known as English, French, lemon, or winter thyme.

Is Thyme anti inflammatory?

Thyme oil has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. It's commonly used as a preservative in foods, cosmetics, and toiletries.

What is English thyme used for?

English thyme is a low-growing plant with fragrant leaves. This herb goes well with just about everything. Add it (fresh or dried) to blended herb mixtures, or use in soups, sauces, beans, meat dishes, and more. It's also a great addition to potpourri or homemade soap.

How do you keep lemon thyme alive?

Once established, thyme plants are drought-resistant and often prefer to be under-watered rather than over-watered. Wait until the soil is completely dry, then saturate your thyme plant, allowing it to dry out again completely before giving it another watering.

Should I let my lemon thyme flower?

Let some thyme plants flower, since the herb attracts the bees. While thyme is usually harvested in the summer months, we have harvested ours well into late fall! Thyme can grow in the ground or in a container. Either is left outside in wintertime.

How do you trim thyme so it keeps growing?

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 do you revive a dying herb plant?

Depending on your herb, light pruning or hard pruning might be best. If you harvested the herbs and the plant is looking unhealthy, it might be a signal that you overdid it. Wait a few days, giving the plant the chance to bounce back; if not, it might be time to plant a new one.

How quickly does creeping thyme spread?

Generally, creeping thyme takes one year to get established, and then begins to spread in its second season. The herb thyme (Thymus spp.) All creeping thymes spread by sending stems along the ground's surface to periodically grow leaves and roots.

Why is my thyme plant drooping?

Thyme plants most commonly droop as a sign of stress because of over watering or slow draining soils. Thyme plants are adapted to dry soil conditions When there is too much moisture around the roots thyme plants can droop, and turn yellow or brown because of root rot.

What to use if you have no thyme?

Substitutes for Thyme

Oregano. Fresh or dried, oregano makes a great thyme substitute. ...
Marjoram. Marjoram is very similar to oregano, and in turn, also very close to thyme, so it's another excellent 1:1 substitute. ...
Rosemary. ...
Savoury. ...
Basil. ...
Herbs de Provence.

What can I substitute for thyme sprigs?

The Best Thyme Substitutes

Oregano. Fresh or dried, oregano hits many of the same earthy, minty, savory and slightly bitter notes as thyme. ...
Marjoram. You can also use fresh or dried marjoram in place of thyme. ...
Basil. ...
Savory. ...
Poultry seasoning. ...
Italian seasoning. ...
Za'atar. ...
Herbes de Provence.

What are the side effects of drinking thyme tea?

People who are allergic to thyme or similar plants like basil, oregano, sage, and lavender, may experience negative symptoms. These can include skin sensitivity if you touch thyme leaves or nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, and vomiting if you eat it or drink thyme tea.