Thyme

Thyme is a versatile, low-growing herb known for its fragrant leaves and delicate pink flowers. A favourite in both the kitchen and the pollinator garden, thyme thrives with minimal care and brings beauty and function to any sunny spot. Its evergreen nature means it offers year-round interest, while its tough, woody stems and spreading habit make it ideal for rocky or dry sites.

Where Can You Grow Thyme?
Well-suited to Zones 4–9, thyme prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a natural fit for rock gardens, herb spirals, borders, and containers. Once established, it requires little watering and tolerates drought conditions well.

History and Historical Uses
Used since ancient times in cooking, medicine, and ritual, thyme has long been valued for its antiseptic and aromatic properties. In traditional herbal medicine, it was used for respiratory ailments and digestion, while in the kitchen it continues to flavour everything from roasted vegetables to soups and meat dishes.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8–9: Direct sow outdoors in spring or autumn.
Zones 5–7: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost and transplant.
Zones 4: Grow in containers or mulch well for winter protection; start indoors in early spring.

How to Grow and Harvest Thyme
Planting: Sow seeds shallowly, just covered with soil; transplant 15–20cm (6–8in) apart.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature.
Harvesting: Snip stems as needed once plants are 10–15cm tall; best flavour just before flowering.
Maintenance: Trim back in spring to encourage compact growth; divide or layer to propagate.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply
Allow to Flower: Let some plants flower and go to seed.
Collect Seed: Gather dry flower heads and rub out seeds.
Dry and Store: Dry seeds thoroughly and store in airtight containers.
Viability: Seeds remain viable for 3–4 years in cool, dry storage.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)