Types Of Thyme Plants Varieties Of Thyme For The Garden

Types of Thyme Plants

Common thyme (T. vulgaris) – prostrate form, yellow and variegated foliage available, used in cooking.
Lemon thyme (T. x. ...
Woolly thyme (T. pseudolanuginosus) – prostrate form, pubescent stems and leaves appear gray in color, good for rock gardens.
Creeping thyme (T. ...
Wild thyme (T. ...
Elfin thyme (T.

What is the best thyme to grow?

There are only about half a dozen considered suitable for cooking. Out of this group, I find four to be most useful: French thyme, lemon thyme, oregano-scented thyme, and caraway thyme. French thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is the one that most people know. The plant grows into an upright bush 12 in. to 18 in.

What is the difference between thyme and wild thyme?

The Wild Thyme is indigenous to the greater part of the dry land of Europe, though is a great deal less abundant than the Common Thyme so widely cultivated. ... Wild Thyme is a perennial, more thickset than the Garden Thyme, though subject to many varieties, according to the surroundings in which it grows.

What is the difference between German thyme and English thyme?

German Thyme has tiny leaves when compared to Common thyme. But the leaves are packed with more aromatic oils than many larger-leaved varieties. English Thyme is a smaller low growing plant with tiny leaves and an intense flavor. Essential in chowders, and delicious sprinkled on potatoes for roasting.

Are all varieties of thyme edible?

There are dozens of selections of thyme. ... Both types are edible, but creeping thymes are usually small and tedious to harvest and are therefore more valuable as ground covers. Garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris), also known as common, English, or French thyme, is most often used as a seasoning.

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.

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.

Is thyme poisonous?

When taken by mouth: Thyme is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in normal food amounts. Thyme is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth as medicine for short periods of time. In some people, it can cause digestive system upset, headache, or dizziness.

Is thyme tea safe to drink?

Fresh and dried thyme is generally safe to eat or drink as a refreshing tea, but it is not interchangeable with thyme essential oil. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be toxic in their undiluted form.

Is creeping thyme invasive?

Other Invasive Plants That Spread Tansy: This is a, large plant grown for the yellow flowers that dry well, but it will spread into its neighbors. Benefits of Elfin Creeping Thyme Plant . ... serpyllum) can be invasive in some situations.

Is English thyme invasive?

I must mention that most members of the mint family will become quite invasive if left to their own devices. Mint, oregano, pennyroyal and even thyme will spread through underground runners and can quickly take over the garden. They can be hard to remove as small bits of roots left behind can grow into full plants.

How do you use English thyme?

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.

What does English thyme taste like?

Aside from French recipes, most of the recipes that specify thyme without also naming a particular variety typically require English thyme. Its flavor offers some of the sweet and camphoraceous qualities of both clove and mint, which is accompanied by the hints of an herbaceous and grassy aroma.

What are the different types of thyme?

While there are a plethora of thyme varieties, here is a list of some of the most common:

Common thyme (T. vulgaris) – prostrate form, yellow and variegated foliage available, used in cooking.
Lemon thyme (T. x. ...
Woolly thyme (T. ...
Creeping thyme (T. ...
Wild thyme (T. ...
Elfin thyme (T.

Can you eat Mother of Thyme?

Just like other thyme varieties, creeping thyme is edible with a flavor and aroma akin to mint when crushed or steeped for teas or tinctures. To harvest creeping thyme ground cover, either remove the leaves from the stems or dry by snipping from the plant and hanging upside down in a dark, well aerated area.

Can you eat thyme leaves Raw?

Thyme (thymus vulgaris) is an herb that can be consumed fresh or dried. Like other herbs and spices, it's packed with disease-fighting nutrients and antioxidants. ... The easiest way to make this common herb a part of your regular diet to make sure you keep some dried thyme in your kitchen.

Does thyme grow back after cutting?

Use small garden shears or scissors to remove only the soft, green stems from the plant. Do not cut past the woody parts of the herb—this is where it the new growth will occur. Cutting the thyme way back will allow the herb to better withstand the winter weather and encourages new growth in the following season.

Should I cut the flowers off my thyme?

Though you can pinch the flowers off to allow the plant to produce more leaves, the flavor of thyme really isn't compromised by letting the plant bloom.

Can you use thyme that has flowered?

Thyme Flowers

The flowers on thyme are typically lavender-colored and edible. ... To eat them, use the flowers as a garnish while they're still attached to the stem. You can also break them up and sprinkle them over a dish.

Does thyme like full sun?

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.

How do you keep thyme plant alive?

Water completely each time but allow the pot to dry before watering again. Fertilize thyme with a weak solution of fish emulsion or liquid seaweed, diluted by half every two weeks. Cut back overly woody stems on the thyme plant to force fresh new growth. Trim off flowers and dry them for a sachet or use them in tea.

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.