Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an herb that can grow 10cm – 50cm tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris).
This plant has several common names including: common thyme, garden thyme or pot-herb thyme.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 5-10 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: common thyme, garden thyme, pot-herb thyme
Scientific name: Thymus vulgaris
Plant type: Herbs, Shrubs
Habit: Bushy
Height: 10cm – 50cm
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: City & Courtyard Gardens, Informal Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Wildlife Gardens
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding
Other characteristics: Plants for pollinators
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Thymus vulgaris likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – Tangopaso, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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