Halifax Herb Thyme Pkg.

Common Name: Thyme

Scientific Name: Thymus vulgaris

Life Cycle: Perennial

Description Detail: A hardy, aromatic perennial herb with strongly scented leaves and a classic clove-like fragrance and flavour. Thyme is an essential culinary herb, commonly used fresh or dried in soups, chowders, sauces, stuffing, meat, poultry and seafood dishes.

Days to Germinate: 14-21 days

Bloom / Harvest: Approximately 85 days to maturity. Harvest fresh leaves and stems throughout the growing season. Small flowers appear in summer and can attract pollinators.

Germination Needs: Sow seeds on the surface of moist, well-drained seed-starting mix and press gently into the soil. Do not cover deeply, as light can aid germination. Keep the growing medium consistently moist until seedlings emerge.

Lighting: Full sun

Watering Needs: Keep soil lightly moist during germination and establishment. Once established, thyme prefers moderately dry conditions and should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid consistently wet soil.

Starting Instructions: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost. Press seeds gently onto the surface of the growing medium and provide bright light. Transplant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed, spacing plants approximately 20-30 cm (8-12") apart. It can also be direct sown outdoors once the soil is workable.

Care Instructions: Grow in well-drained soil with full sun. Avoid overwatering and excessive fertilization. Harvest stems regularly to encourage fresh growth and prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape.

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Garden Benefits: Provides a reliable supply of fresh and dried culinary herbs and attracts bees and other pollinators when flowering. Its compact growth habit makes it useful in herb gardens, borders, rock gardens and containers.

Special Notes: Halifax Seed lists common thyme as Thymus vulgaris, with an approximate maturity of 85 days. Plants grow 15-30 cm (6-12") tall and are suitable for containers. Halifax Seed also offers an organic thyme option.

Tips For Success: Provide excellent drainage and plenty of sunlight. Keep seedlings lightly moist but avoid overwatering. Harvest regularly and allow the soil to dry somewhat between waterings once plants are established.

Companion Plants: Rosemary, oregano, sage, lavender, tomatoes, eggplant and cabbage.