Herb Thyme Olde English.  One of the most useful kitchen herbs for stews, stuffings and bouquet garni. This aromatic, evergreen thyme will grow almost anywhere in containers, rock gardens, borders, and even cracks in paving. Ideal for creating low, matt forming groundcover that will attract bees to the tiny, pink blooms. Thyme is particularly useful in coastal areas where it copes well with winds and dry conditions.

Height: 30cm (12″). Spread: 35cm (14″).

Sow
February – April

How to sow
Sow thyme thinly from February to April on the surface of a good seed compost and cover with a sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place the seed tray in a propagator at a temperature of 13-16C (56-60F) or seal it inside a polythene bag. Keep the compost moist but not wet. Do not exclude light as this aids germination which usually takes up to 18 -24 days.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow them on in cooler conditions until large enough to plant outdoors. When thyme plants are well grown and all risk of frost has passed, acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Transplant outdoors, 30cm (12″) apart, on neutral to alkaline, well drained soil, in full sun. Thyme is drought tolerant once established and will cope well on poor soils. Thyme plants can also be grown in containers on a bright windowsill.