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Thyme
The common name for Thymus,a genus of aromatic herbs
or shrubby plants of the Mint Family, long cultivated and
valued as both ornamentals and sweet herbs. They have small
lavender or pink flowers and are planted in the rock garden
and the border for ornament, or in the herb garden, to be
used for seasoning. They grow easily and are easily
increased from cuttings or seed.
To achieve optimum results, plant the seed indoors in early
spring. Thyme is very hardy and will grow under most
conditions. It prefers full sun and a soil that is light and
sandy, or loamy. Thyme requires minimal fertilization unless
the soil quality is of extremely poor quality, or when grown
via the hydroponic method. |
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Thyme propagates easily from tip cuttings or crown division.
Since it grows slowly, especially early in it's life,
weed-control is essential. Mulching with straw is helpful.
Thyme is harvested in mid-summer, just prior to flowering.
Secondary growth will occur for the balance of the year, and
this growth should be left to grow, or winter hardiness will
be sacrificed.
Growing Thyme
Growing Cultures
Outdoors, containers, hydroponics.
Plant Height
Thyme plants grow to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 - 45cm).
Plant Spacing
Thyme plants should be spaced 18 to 24 inches (45 - 60cm) apart.
Preferred pH Range
Thyme will grow in a pH range between 6.5 (neutral) and 8.5
(alkaline) with a preferred pH range between 6.5 and 7.0.
Propagation
Sow thyme seed indoors in sunny location or under plant grow
lights six weeks before last frost. Thyme propagates well
through stem cuttings.
Seed Germination Period
8 to 20 days.
Seeds Per Gram (Approximate)
3,300 to 4,000.
Soil Requirements
Light, well-draining, poor to fertile.
Alternative Growing Media
Soilless potting mixes, perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, coco
peat, Oasis foam.
Time From Seed to Saleable Plant
Sow in plugs 12 to 14 weeks before sale. Seeds to finished plugs,
6 to 8 weeks; plugs to saleable plants, 4 to 6 weeks.
Sun & Lighting Requirements
Thyme grown outdoors prefers full sun.
Thyme will grow indoors satisfactorily under
standard fluorescent lamps, and exceptionally well under
high output fluorescent ,
compact fluorescent, or
high intensity discharge (metal halide or high pressure
sodium) plant growing lights. Keep standard fluorescent
lamps between 2 and 4 inches from the tops of the plants,
high output and compact fluorescents approximately one foot
above the plants, and HID lights between 2 and 4 feet above
the plants, depending on wattage. Have an oscillating fan
gently stir seedlings for at least 2 hours per day to
stimulate shorter, sturdier, and more natural plant habit.
USDA Hardiness
4a to 8b.
Water Requirements
Average water needs. Water on a regular schedule, do not
overwater.
Potential Pests & Diseases
Whitefly, spider mites. Minimal disease issues.
Special Notes
Drought resistant and ideal for xeriscaping. Suitable for
containers and indoor cultivation. Attracts butterflies,
birds, or bees. |
Florida
Backyard Vegetable Gardener 
