Plant Database / Herbs / Thyme
Herbs

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris
Lamiaceae (Mint)

A creeping woody perennial that thrives on neglect and sharp drainage. Hates wet feet.

EdiblePerennialFull sunDrought-toughMedicinalContainer-friendly
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) illustration — Texas Roots plant database, by Jordan Polasek
Sun
Full sun
Water
Low — drought-tough
Soil
Lean, sharp-draining
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardiness
Hardy perennial
Height
6–12 in
Spacing
12 in
Days to harvest
75–90

What it is

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is in the Lamiaceae (Mint) family. A creeping woody perennial that thrives on neglect and sharp drainage. Hates wet feet.

How to grow it

It wants full sun, water it low — drought-tough, and give it lean, sharp-draining soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–8.0. Space plants about 12 in apart. Expect roughly 75–90. Hardy perennial.

How it's used

Thyme is used: fresh, dried, infused.

🔎 How to identify it

  • Tiny opposite leaves on woody stems
  • Low spreading mounds
  • Pink flowers loved by bees

Edibility

PartsLeaves and flowers
UsesFresh, dried, infused
CautionNone.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.

Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.