Which location does thyme prefer?
Thyme needs a sunny and protected location as possible. It is best to have a sunny spot next to a house wall or the like that emits heat, where the sensitive subshrub is adequately protected from various weather influences. Incidentally, like all Mediterranean herbs, thyme is only partially hardy.
also read
- Thyme in a pot - herb garden on the balcony and terrace
- Preserving thyme and storing it properly
- Take care of the hunger artist thyme properly
Is thyme annual or perennial?
The thyme (botanically thymus) is also a perennial subshrub that lignifies with age. However, in our part of the world, thyme usually does not get very old; unless you take good care of your herbs and overwinter them appropriately.
What should the earth be like?
The hunger artist thyme needs a loose, sandy soil as possible. Typically for Mediterranean plants, the plant forms a very deep tap root, with the help of which it can supply itself with sufficient water and nutrients even in very dry and nutrient-poor locations. Heavy or loamy soils, however, are not very suitable. Instead, you should ensure a neutral to basic pH value between 7 and 8 - this is optimal.
Can thyme also be grown on the balcony?
In a sufficiently large and deep tub, thyme can also thrive on the balcony without any problems. As a pure houseplant, on the other hand, it usually doesn't feel comfortable at all.
Planting / sowing thyme
The seeds of the thyme are very fine, which is why direct sowing is not recommended - especially since it is a light germ. For this reason you should prefer thyme as early as March on the windowsill or under glass and finally prick out the young plants in individual pots. From the end of May / beginning of June, the self-grown thyme plants can finally be put into the bed. If necessary, you should prepare your garden soil accordingly beforehand, for example by mixing soil that is too rich with sand. By the way, the herb pots that are often available in the supermarket are usually not good, the plants that are raised too quickly usually die quickly. It is better to either grow thyme yourself or to buy young plants from a specialist gardener.
Transplant thyme
Thyme cultivated in pots or window boxes (€ 106.25 at Amazon *) must be replanted from time to time. For this purpose, you should carefully lift the plant and all of its roots out of the too small plant container. Thyme planted in the garden should be cut out as large as possible so that no roots are damaged.
At what distance should thyme be planted?
A plant spacing of 25 x 25 centimeters is ideal.
When can you harvest?
Thyme can be harvested all year round. To do this, simply cut off the young leaves in the required amount.
Dry / freeze thyme
The aromatic leaves - only the young can harvest! - can be frozen easily. Shortly before flowering, you can also cut off entire stems and hang them up to dry.
Tips & Tricks
The Mediterranean herb goes well with other herbs of the Mediterranean, such as rosemary, oregano, lavender or sage. Ornamental grasses and ornamental onions also harmonize very well.
