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English Thyme (Culinary)

Gardening Guide: It’s About Thyme: All You Need to Know About Growing, Harvesting, and Cooking with Thyme

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English Thyme (Culinary)

In this Plant Profile, get specific details, including the characteristics and best uses of English Thyme, one of our Plant Profiles featured in our Thyme Collection.

By Norann Oleson

English Thyme

English Thyme

English thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is one of the most common and popular thyme varieties. In fact, it is often called common thyme. It did not originate in England—the Romans brought it there and the Brits took it on as their own. English thyme is low-growing and fragrant with green, round leaves. You can use it in almost any recipe—fresh or dried—and it makes a pretty garnish as well. English thyme’s fragrance is popular in potpourris and soaps, and can be planted as a hardy groundcover. It’s the perfect all-purpose thyme.

Sun Exposure

  • Full sun (six to eight hours)

Soil pH

  • 6.0 to 8.0

Hardiness Zones

  • perennial in zones 4 to 9

Spacing

  • Plant 12-24 inches apart

Moisture

  • Drought resistant
  • Water only when soil is completely dry
  • 1 inch of water every 1 1/2 to 2 weeks

Notes

  • Grows to 12 inches
  • Makes a lovely, fragrant border or groundcover plant
  • Perfect for container gardening
  • Adds flavor to most any savory dish, as well as fragrance in soaps and potpourris

Do you grow English Thyme? If so, please tell us your top tips for ensuring a prolific harvest.

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Tags

container gardening, english thyme, thyme

Comments
  • Arlene B. April 19, 2024

    Darn, I planted my English thyme in a shady spot! Maybe I will get a few! Started from seeds

    Reply

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Curator’s Corner
  • Introduction
  • Feature Articles

  • Types of Thyme Plants
  • A Word About Varieties of Thyme Plants
  • Choosing to Grow Thyme from Seeds or Seedlings
  • Growing Thyme in Open Land, in Raised Beds, or in Containers
  • Starting with the Right Soil for Your Thyme Plants
  • Planting and Pruning Thyme
  • The Right Sunlight for Your Thyme Plants
  • Should You Fertilize Your Thyme Plants?
  • How—and When—to Water Your Thyme Plants
  • How to Spot, Treat, and Prevent Thyme Diseases
  • What to Do About Pests that Can Harm Your Thyme Plants
  • The Right Way to Weed Your Thyme Patch
  • Essential Tools and Equipment for Growing Thyme
  • How to Grow Culinary Thyme in a Container
  • How to Keep Thyme Alive and Growing Year After Year
  • Plant Profiles

  • Lavender Thyme (Culinary & Ornamental)
  • Woolly Thyme (Ornamental)
  • Caraway Thyme (Culinary & Ornamental)
  • Lemon Thyme (Culinary & Ornamental)
  • French Thyme (Culinary)
  • English Thyme (Culinary)
  • Recipes

  • Thyme Tea
  • Cheddar-Thyme Biscuits
  • Thyme and Mushroom Soup
  • Lemon Thyme Tea Bread
  • Garlic Thyme Chicken Thighs
  • Roasted Potatoes with Lemon Thyme
  • Feta and Olive Bake with Thyme
  • Additional Articles

  • Nutrition Facts about Thyme
  • Home Remedies & Health Benefits of Thyme
  • Resources about Thyme
  • Thyme Glossary
  • Related Articles

  • 8 French Cooking Herbs to Grow to Make Herbs de Provence

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