To divide thyme, dig up the whole plant and break it into sections. Three or four divisions per plant is usually enough as small divisions take longer to establish than larger ones. If the plant is reluctant to pull apart in your hands, use two hand forks back-to-back to prise it into sections.
Will thyme grow from cuttings?
Yes, thyme can be grown cuttings, also known as propagating thyme. Propagating simply means producing a plant that is identical (genetically speaking) to its parent by means of dividing, taking cuttings, etc.
Where do you cut thyme to propagate?
Take your thyme cutting at a node on the stem at a point where the leaves attach. This is where the root formations are most viable. Remove the lower leaves and then push the cut end into a container of moist soil mix, vermiculite, or perlite. Keep the pot in a warm, shaded area and keep slightly damp.
When should thyme be transplanted?
After the last frost in spring, transplant outside and space 6-8″ apart, in rows 12-18″ apart. Pinch off growing tips of upright growing varieties to make bushier plants. LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun/Part Shade. In very hot climates, thyme will need part shade to do well.
How deep should thyme be planted?
¼ inch deep
Planting depth: Planting and spacing. Sow thyme seeds ¼ inch deep. Spacing: Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart when they are 2 to 3 inches tall. Space rows 16 to 24 inches apart.
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.
Does thyme need full sun?
Thyme does best in full sun. Start from young plants set out in spring after the last frost. Be sure to choose strong young thyme plants from Bonnie Plants®, the company that has been helping home gardeners succeed for over 100 years. Plant in soil with excellent drainage and a pH of about 7.0.
Does thyme root in water?
Thyme easily grows from cuttings. There are different methods of propagating thyme but the one that increases the chance of success is rooting the cuttings in water. In less than a few weeks, you should see roots forming, after which you can transplant into a container or in the ground.
What is the difference between thyme and English thyme?
Each variety bears leaves of slightly different shapes, colors, and flavor. English thyme is a low-growing plant with flat, pointy, green, fragrant foliage. English thyme is also referred to as garden thyme or common thyme. French thyme has upright stems with small, narrow gray-green leaves.
Will 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.
What is the difference between thyme and French thyme?
French thyme is a variety of English thyme that has narrower, grey-green leaves and a slightly sweeter flavor. It is often preferred by chefs, and is excellent for seasoning meat, fish, soup, and vegetables. Just remember that its English counterpart is not only more robust, but has better cold tolerance.
How do you overwinter thyme?
Protect Perennial Herbs
Perennial herbs, such as chives, lavender, oregano, thyme, overwinter well in the ground. In most areas simply wait until a few hard freezes and then cut back tall herbs to within 4 to 6 inches of the ground.
How do you prune thyme for growth?
In late fall, after the first frost, select one-third of the oldest and woodiest stems on your thyme plant. Using sharp, clean shears, cut these stems back by half. Repeat the process the next year until your thyme plant has returned to growing younger, more tender stems all over the plant.
How deep do thyme roots grow?
When –
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| Germination | 60 – 70 F |
| Measurements | |
| Planting Depth | 1/4″ |
| Root Depth | 14″+ |
How long do thyme plants live?
Thyme is a perennial herb that often only lives for 5 or 6 years even with good care. After 3 years thyme plants growth tends to slow down and produce less leaves with a weak aroma and inferior flavour compared to younger thyme plants.
Should thyme be thinned?
Thin to 1 every grow pot when about 1″ tall. When transplanting, space at least 10″ apart. Growing Tips: Avoid pruning woody part of the stalk–it will effect how well Thyme over-winters. Thyme has average watering requirements, but is drought hardy and can withstand a little abuse.
Can thyme grow in shade?
Thyme. Most varieties of thyme will tolerate part shade. Let the soil slightly dry out between waterings. Try planting it with other flowers and herbs for a fragrant container.
Is thyme invasive?
Other herbs that become invasive through underground runners include oregano, pennyroyal, and even the easy-going thyme can run amok.
How much space does thyme need?
Space young plants 12 to 24 inches apart, depending upon the specific variety. The plants should grow 6 to 12 inches in height. In the garden, plant thyme near cabbage or tomatoes. If you are growing thyme in containers, plant with rosemary which also likes sunny conditions and has similar watering needs.
What grows well with thyme?
Thyme can flourish next to rosemary, sage, marjoram, and oregano in your herb garden, but it also makes for a great companion plant in your vegetable garden that gives more benefits than it receives.
Do I cut back thyme in winter?
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.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.