English Thyme

Lamiaceae

Low-growing woody evergreen, 6-12 inches tall. Tiny oval aromatic leaves on thin woody stems. Among the hardiest culinary herbs — survives to zone 4 (–30°F). Mediterranean native that needs excellent drainage. Becomes woody after 3-4 years; divide or replace. Lemon thyme (T. × citriodorus) is hardy to zone 5. Creeping thyme (T. praecox) works as groundcover.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

70–90 days

Sun

6+ hours

6-8 hours full sun

Spacing

12–18 "

Container

Yes

1+ gallon pot

Height

0.5–1 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 7–14 days

Optimal Temp 70°F

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 55°F

Watering

Weekly Water 0.5–1 "

Needs Low

Soil

pH Range 6–8

Soil Type Sandy, rocky, or well-drained

Resilience

Heat: Moderate-high Cold: High Drought: High

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Light feeder

Harvest

Stems with mature leaves. Peak flavor just before flowering.

Sources

university NC State Extension — Thymus vulgaris university Illinois Extension — Thyme horticultural Old Farmer's Almanac — Thyme

More Herbs

English Thyme Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for English Thyme vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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