If you’ve tried before and succeeded I’d like to hear about it. Now, if you’re one of those gardeners who like to take up a new challenge every now and then, don’t be among the 96% and experiment what I’ve discussed in this article. Water plants only occasionally, allowing the plant's soil to dry completely between waterings. Maintain a soil environment that is not overly rich or moist. You’ve just read how to grow thyme from seed. If you’re going to sow your seeds in a seedbed, plant thyme seeds in early spring with the drills 4 to 6 inches apart with 5 or 6 seeds per inch. Here are the main requirements for growing thyme: Plant in a spot that gets full sunlightat least six to eight hours of bright light daily. Either liberally use a mister spray or place the seed tray in water for 10 minutes, and it will soak up the water through the drainage holes at the bottom. Once thyme seedlings are 4 inches high, plant them where you will be growing thyme in your garden. To grow thyme from seed, prepare a seed tray using free-draining potting mix, and dampen but don't over-wet the soil. But if you’ve followed all the steps outlined in this post, the wait will be worthwhile – trust me. I’ve already mentioned that thyme seed takes a while to germinate. To grow thyme from seed: 4-6 weeks before last frost, sprinkle seeds in seed-starting containers (plastic starting trays, egg cartons, peat pots, milk cartons. Together with the other conditions discussed, choosing a suitable location is key for high germination success rate. Warmth is one of the most important aspects for seeds to germinate optimally. Step 7: Place the container in a warm location. Covering them with a plastic wrap will solve the problem for you. You don’t want the moisture to escape or expose the seeds to dry, windy conditions. Step 6: Properly cover with a plastic wrap. Read: How to Water Potted Plants and Keep them Happy Just make sure that you’re not splashing water on the soil because water may splash away with the soil. To break the thyme seed dormancy, you’ll need to give them a thorough drink. This will also enable the more valuable garden space to be used for an earlier-maturing crop. In very hot weather, the soil is more likely to dry out faster, and it may require more frequent water. But it will stop growing, die back, and go dormant when freezing temperatures set in. Many varieties are very cold hardy and will survive down to -30F. Winter growing: Bring thyme indoors in winter for winter harvest or start plants indoors for growing through the winter. Over-winter containers in a protected place. Choose a container with a minimum soil depth of 6 inches. If planting in a nursery bed, it’s better to plant seed in a nursery bed where more attention can be paid to the tiny plants. The ideal temperature range for growing thyme is between 65-85F. Container growing: Thyme grows easily in containers. Step 4: Gently scatter soil over the seeds. Some gardeners use as much as 4 parts sand to one part seed. If planting in volume, mix sand with the seeds to prevent over-planting or aid uniform sprouting. Step 3: Gently scatter seeds over the soil in the container you will be planting thyme seeds.īecause the seeds are so tiny, thyme seeds should be sown very shallowly or pressed into the soil with a fine layer sprinkled on top. If you’re going to sow your seeds in a seedbed, plant thyme seeds in early spring with the drills 4 to 6 inches apart with 5 or 6 seeds per inch.Īlternatively start them indoor in pots in early spring to give them a head-start. While cutting the ripening tops is one way to obtain seeds, use of cloths, sheets, or paper bags may prove more productive.Īround noon and again in late afternoon, gently shake the plants to encourage the ripe seeds to fall onto the sheets or into the bags.Ĭollect the seeds and spread them in a warm, airy room to finish drying.ĭo keep in mind if the plants are wet or damp the tiny seeds may stick to the leaves and flower heads. Thyme matures unevenly from plant to plant. Caraway thyme (Thymus herbabarona) is a low-growing plant with dark green leaves sporting the fragrance of its namesake herbs.How to Grow Thyme from Seed Step by Step Step 1: It makes a beautiful ground cover, particularly in winter when it turns strong shades of yellow, red, and green. One cultivar of lemon thyme with variegated yellow leaves and a prostrate habit is known as ‘Doone Valley’. Loved for its lemon scent, lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus) is a delightful plant for both garden and kitchen. Creeping varieties make attractive aromatic rock garden or edging plants. It can reach 8 to 12 inches high, though some varieties are smaller. Like the other thymes, it has woody stems with small oval leaves. The thyme most often used in cooking is known as English thyme (a form of Thymus vulgaris). Thymes are versatile, indeed – more than fifty varieties are judged useful for culinary or ornamental gardens! Its flavor heightens that of most any food…
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