Thyme (lat. Thymus vulgaris) is a plant from the Lamiaceae family, which also includes rosemary, lavender, sage, lemon balm, thyme and basil. Thyme comes from the Greek word thymos or thymon which means ‘incense’, and a similarity can be observed in relation to their smell. It originates from the Mediterranean and grows mostly in Spain, Portugal, Greece and France.
It is a perennial bushy plant that has a branched and very strong root system. The root system consists of many veins, thanks to which thyme can thrive on poor and skeletal soils. Upright stems are usually 25 – 50 cm high. There are woody branches on the lower part of the stem, and flowering thyme branches cover the mallets.
Thyme leaves are small and arranged so that they grow opposite each other. The white-pink flowers are also small and grow in the axils of the leaves and thus form a loose bloom. The flowers are elongated, with the calyx and crown covered by glands that secrete precious essential oil. As for the seeds, they are very small, approximately 0.5 – 1.0 mm. The seeds are prone to shedding, which is an aggravating circumstance when growing plants for seeds.
The seeds are germinating for 2 to 3 years, and if grown in favorable conditions, they will germinate in 2 – 3 weeks. At first, it grows quite slowly, and in the second year, in early spring, thyme is in full vegetation. Thyme blooms from May to September and needs to be mowed several times.
Thyme grows on the shores of the Mediterranean in spontaneous flora on dry, stony and sunny soils. It is also grown as a garden plant for medicinal or just decorative purposes. Also, thyme is a protected plant.
Types of thyme
Thyme comes in more than 50 varieties with different smells and tastes. Some varieties have a spreading habit and as such are often grown along walkways or stone walls, while others have a more upright growth pattern. The following is an overview of the most common thymes that are grown alongside “ordinary” thyme (lat. Thymus vulgaris).
Lemon thyme
Lemon thyme (lat. Thymus x citriodus) got its name from the strong lemon aroma. It is upright, but short in stature and has variegated golden and silver leaves. This variety has no major problems with insects or diseases and its care is very simple. Lemon thyme oils are an excellent mosquito repellent, and the leaves are best used fresh.
Woolly thyme
Woolly thyme (lat. Thymus pseudolanuginosus) has grayish stems and leaves and is excellent for growing in rock gardens. It looks like wool because it is very soft and looks puffy. However, such a woolly covering of the plant can become food for aphids and spider mites.
Creeping thyme
Creeping thyme (lat. Thymus praecox) grows only 2 – 3 cm, so it is an extremely low-growing perennial with slightly hairy evergreen leaves. The flowering of creeping thyme is attractive to bees. In fact, the pollen from this thyme contributes to the very delicious bee honey.
Wild or field thyme
Wild or field thyme (lat. Thymus serpyllum) can grow in a creeping or upright form up to 5 cm, depending on the cultivar. It can be found in various pastures, meadows, cliffs, walls and rocky places. It also produces flowers ranging from red to purple. The leaves can be green, golden or multicolored.
Elfin thyme
Elfin thyme (lat. Thymus serpyllum ‘Elfin’) is a creeping form of thyme that grows from 2.5 – 5 cm. It has fragrant green leaves and tiny purple or pink flowers. It grows well in rocky gardens between a kind of slabs or bricks.
Planting thyme
To plant thyme, it is necessary to know the time of planting and the appropriate method of planting. Thyme can be planted from seeds or seedlings, and it prefers dry soils. Sunny habitats and higher temperatures are suitable for cultivation.
Planting time
Thyme is usually planted in early spring, for example in March, before which the soil is prepared in autumn or winter. In this way, it blooms from May to September, during which it needs to be mowed several times.
Planting from seed
For planting, deep winter plowing must first be carried out. In early spring, it is necessary to cultivate the soil very carefully and not excessively in order to preserve the moisture that has accumulated in the winter. The soil for planting seeds should be crumbly and fine, and also 12 cm deep.
The seeds are sown directly in the soil or in the nursery, and planting is done with seed drills that are intended for cultures that have small seeds. The seeds are sown very shallowly, at a depth of up to 0.5 cm. For 1 g of seed per m2, the distance is usually 25 – 30 cm.
Planting seedlings
Planting the seeds in early spring means that the seedlings are ready for further planting around October. It can also overwinter in the hatchery and wait for spring for transplanting. Regardless of that, the inter-row distance when planting seedlings should be 50 – 70 m, and the row distance should be 15 – 25 cm.
As the seedlings are tender and usually up to 10 cm high, two or at most three seedlings are planted together. As for the measures, one hectare requires 0.6 kg of seeds, from which 160,000 to 240,000 seedlings are prepared.
Growing in a jar
Thyme can be successfully grown in jars, especially because it does not require too much care. It is necessary to choose a jar whose size will proportionally correspond to the morphology of the plant. In addition to the correct selection of the jar, it is necessary to choose the appropriate substrate. Accordingly, it is good to put a layer of stones on the bottom of the jar, and only then fill the jar with soil.
Thyme seeds and seedlings can be planted in the jar, in accordance with the methods already described. The thyme in the jar can be moved, but it is good to place it in a bright and sunny place. After the thyme grows in the jar, it can be easily transplanted to the open space.
Cultivation in a greenhouse
Thyme can be easily grown in a greenhouse, you just need to follow a few basic guidelines. It is best to grow thyme in a greenhouse using an organic mulch, such as rotted animal manure, leaves, or homemade compost placed over the plant’s roots. Such mulch will provide the plant with a balanced amount of nutrients throughout the year and protect it from frost during the winter.
The greenhouse for growing thyme must have adequate lighting, i.e. provide enough light. Also, it is necessary to maintain a temperature of 15 – 21°C in the greenhouse. Plants should be spaced a little wider than in open space to increase air flow around the leaves.
Ground
Thyme grows best on chernozem or chernozem, which has a good structure and is well supplied with nutrients. The optimal pH value of the soil is 6.0 – 8.0. It will not thrive on cold and wet soils, i.e. on such soils it will rot, and on poor soils it will not yield.
Climate
Thyme is a thermophilic and photophilic plant, which means that it grows in sunny habitats and absorbs large amounts of light. It tolerates drought well, but can be harmed by low temperatures without snow if it grows on loose soils. The most favorable temperatures for growing are around 20°C.
Cultivation of thyme
Growing thyme is relatively simple. It does not require too much care and stands out as a plant that can succeed even for “beginners”. For the successful growth and development of the plant, it is necessary to know the rules about arranging crops, watering, fertilizing and propagation.
Matching cultures
Thyme is a perennial plant, therefore as such it is not included in the regular crop rotation. It can be grown in the same place after 3 or 4 years. In the garden, it can be planted alongside strawberries, cabbage, tomatoes, eggplant and broccoli. If thyme is grown in a jar, it can be planted alongside rosemary, which also likes sunny conditions and has similar watering needs.
Watering
Until the thyme sprouts after planting, it is necessary to maintain constant soil moisture. Later, when it sprouts, watering is adjusted to weather conditions and the condition of the plantations. It should be watered deeply only when the soil is completely dry.
Fertilization
In order to ensure a high quality of essential oil and a good yield, fertilization should be carefully planned. In autumn, before deep plowing, 40 kg/ha of nitrogen and 60-80 kg/ha of phosphorus and potassium should be added to the soil. Then, in the spring before planting, another third of 40 kg of nitrogen should be added. Also, the same amount is added after the first mowing. In subsequent growing years, thyme crops are fertilized in autumn or early spring by adding 30 – 50 kg/ha of all three basic elements.
Propagation
Thyme has two options for propagation. It can be propagated vegetatively, that is, by dividing old shoots, and generatively, which means by seeds. The second option is more common because it is often stated that vegetative propagation is not economical.
Since it is good to divide or replace three-year-old plants because over time they become woody and the leaves less aromatic, thyme cuttings can be taken and planted indoors, for example, in jars. In doing so, a cutting of approximately 7 cm is taken from the very top of the stem, a root growth hormone is added to the cutting, and it is planted in sterile sand and vermiculite. The root will appear in about 6 weeks.
Maintenance and care
Thyme does not have a dense enough stem to successfully fight weeds, so weed control is a basic care. If perennial weeds appear, inter-row cultivation is carried out, which is necessary to aerate the soil on which thyme grows. Inter-row cultivation is best done after autumn fertilization.
Plantation maintenance
Maintenance of thyme plantations includes mowing, which is connected with thyme harvesting. Mowing is done several times due to the extended period of maturation and flowering of the plant. After the aerial parts of the plant are cut, then the thyme is harvested. One mowing is done in the first year, and two mowings in the second year.
Mowing is best done in the flowering phase, because that’s when the plant contains the most active substances. Also, mowing can be done manually or with a machine, and the height of the cut should be 7-10 cm above the ground. Usually in the first year the yield is not higher than 6 t/ha, but in the following years the yield increases and can be up to 10 t/ha.
Harvesting thyme
Thyme should be harvested immediately before flowering by cutting off the tops of the plant of 5 – 6 cm. Solid, woody parts of the plant are left, at least 5 cm, so that the plant can continue to grow. Harvesting is best done in the morning, after the dew has dried, because that’s when the plant’s essential oils are the richest. Accordingly, harvesting in the morning ensures the maximum taste and the highest effectiveness of thyme. Two or more harvests can be done during the season.
Drying
In order for thyme to dry, it is necessary to hang its sprigs in a dark, well-ventilated and warm place. The leaves can also be dried simply by placing them on a tray. After drying, they should be stored in hermetically sealed containers.
Storage
Fresh thyme should be stored in the refrigerator and lightly wrapped in plastic. In this way, it can last one week or at most two weeks. On the other hand, dried thyme is stored in closed containers and as such can retain its quality flavor for approximately two years. Also, freezing is another possible storage method.
Diseases
Thyme cultivation can be threatened by fungal diseases and certain pests. It is necessary to know possible threats and appropriate protection measures.
Thyme diseases include gray mold and root rot. Both diseases are favored by wet weather, but they can be successfully recognized if their symptoms are known. Also, both diseases can be controlled with appropriate fungicides.
Gray mold
Gray mold is a common fungal disease that affects many plants and can cause damage throughout the year. Along with thyme, it also attacks basil, strawberries, zucchini, tomatoes, onions, roses and other shrubs and flowers on vines. It mostly appears in early spring as a cause of plant epilepsy, and young plants die soon after the onset of this disease. Later, in summer and autumn, it can appear on almost all parts of the plant. Rainy and generally humid weather favors it.
Symptoms of gray mold vary depending on the plant and growing conditions, but generally water-soaked spots form on the leaves of the plant. At first they are white, and later they turn gray and then brown. Also, over time, they spread more and more and eventually cover the entire surface of the leaf. In addition to the leaves, other above-ground parts of the plant can also be infected.
Hygiene is extremely important to protect plants from this disease. This means that there must be no dead parts of the plant with signs of disease near the plantations. In addition, the plantation should be ventilated and an abundant flow of light to each leaf and fruit. Plants can be preventively sprayed with certain ecological preparations that work by increasing and thickening the cell walls of the plant and thus preventing the development of this disease in the plant tissue. When a stronger infection is noticed, the damaged parts of the plant should be thoroughly removed and a stronger fungicide should be used.
Root rot
Root rot is caused by bark and cambium rot and necrosis in the neck root area. Because this disease attacks the root, the whole plant can fail. The infection is recognized as the mycelium of the fungus, and humidity and high temperatures contribute to its development. For control, control with fungicidal preparations is recommended.
Pests
In addition to thyme diseases, it is possible to highlight two groups of pests that can sometimes threaten cultivation. These are small insects – aphids and spider mites. Their harmful effects can be successfully suppressed if they are recognized in time.
Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects that can be up to 4 mm in size. They differ in size, shape and color, but all of them have mouths adapted to piercing and sucking. Aphids pierce the leaves and shoots of plants with such mouthparts because they feed on plant juices. On the plant, sticky exudates are first and most often observed, which are actually honeydew released by aphids, and it is an ideal substrate for the further development of various fungi.
In addition, curling of the leaves, drying at the point of suction, deformation of the fruit and wilting and decay of the whole plant can occur. Aphids can be controlled mechanically, that is, by individually removing them from the plant, and if only some leaves or shoots are attacked, then it is better to just cut them off. In the initial stage, the plant can be sprayed with soapy water, i.e. a combination of water and potassium soap solution.
Spider mites
These are tiny insects that are almost imperceptible on the leaf. They mostly occur in the middle of hot and dry weather. They have many generations and in a period of one month they can reproduce so much that they lead to complete drying and falling of the leaves of the plant. The symptoms are recognized by the small spots on the leaves of the plant that merge if it is a case of a stronger attack.
Protection against these pests starts when the first spots on the leaves and spiders on their reverse side are noticed. There are chemical preparations against them on the market that are applied by spraying in the early morning or evening hours.
The use of thyme
Thyme has been used in cooking and for medicinal purposes since ancient times. It is a smaller plant that has an intense taste and smell. As such, it contains compounds that form an excellent combination with each other.
Preparations
Medicine
Thyme is a highly valued natural medicine, and this fact is justified by its ingredients. It contains vitamins A, C, D and B, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, tannin, glycosides, etc. Its essential oils stand out – chemotype thymol, linalool, geraniol, thujenol-4 and p-cymene. It is traditionally used to treat many everyday conditions, such as indigestion, fever or anemia.
It generally acts as an antiseptic, antirheumatic, bactericide, tonic, relaxant, antiparasitic, natural preservative and insecticide. It has a positive effect on the treatment of spasms, so it can be a very good help for women during menstrual problems. It also has a soothing effect on the stomach and improves digestion.
In addition, thyme works against difficulty breathing and, accordingly, cough, bronchitis and asthma. Due to its calming effect, it can be consumed by a person suffering from insomnia, nervousness and headaches. It can also be used as an external agent in the form of poultices and lotions for disinfecting wounds and burns.
Cookery
Like for example oregano or sage, thyme is an excellent herb that can be consumed both fresh and dried. Thyme adds a delicate flavor to almost everything, especially eggs, tomatoes, meat, soups, beans and potatoes. It goes well with Mediterranean cuisine and foods such as olives and wine.
Its taste is described as earthy with notes of lemon and mint, and some varieties have a mild floral taste. Fresh thyme can be used with or without the stem. During cooking, the leaves definitely fall off the stem and then the stem can be removed before serving. Thyme can be used to make tea against coughs and bronchitis, and it is enough to boil just one sprig in hot water.
History
Thyme has been used for thousands of years. Throughout history, it has been used as an antidote, a means of fighting the plague, a symbol of bravery in battles and a constant companion of soldiers who exchanged sprigs of thyme as a sign of respect. In Roman times, the reputation of thyme as a healer and protector prevailed. Consuming thyme before or during a meal was thought to help protect against poison. Because of this, it was often consumed by the Roman emperors.
The Greeks and Romans burned bundles of thyme to purify temples and their homes and attract the spirit of courage. During the plague, many people found help in thyme. They prepared different preparations from it and believed in its medicinal power.
Interesting things
Thyme is popularly called by different names – thyme, garden thyme, wild basil and scream. The Czech Republic recognized the healing properties of thyme and declared it its national flower. According to belief, thyme is thought to have been in Jesus’ straw bed in the barn.
Photo: Hans Braxmeier / Pixabay