Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
Also known asGarden thyme · Common thyme · English thyme · Thym
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 4–9 (winter low around -34°C)
- Frost
- very hardy (survives deep cold)
- Season
- warm (summer, frost-sensitive)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.8 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1.7 |
Aquaponics suitability
Not recommended
Fish waste alone doesn't supply enough of what this crop demands. Grows in hybrid systems with supplemental dosing, but expect active management.
Care notes
An easy, long-lived perennial herb. Grow in a container (10 L) with very well-drained media. EC 1.0-1.6 mS/cm (a very light feeder; rich conditions give lush but weakly aromatic growth). pH 6.0-8.0 (tolerates alkaline). Temperature: 10–28°C (Mediterranean; cold-hardy to about zone 4). Full sun (DLI 16-24 mol/m2/day). Growth is slow. Harvest by cutting stem tips and the plant branches when pruned, but never cut into bare leafless wood; always leave green growth below the cut. To dry, dry whole sprigs and then strip the tiny leaves; dried thyme holds flavour for over a year. Propagate by stem cuttings, division or seed (seed is viable but slow). Overwatering kills thyme faster than anything else, so group it with rosemary, sage and oregano for compatible Mediterranean conditions. One plant supplies a household more or less indefinitely.