How to Grow and Care for Thyme (The Ultimate Low-Maintenance Herb)

Thyme is a small but mighty herb that brings big flavor to your dishes and beauty to your garden. Native to the Mediterranean, thyme thrives in dry, sunny spots and requires little attention once established—making it one of the best herbs for beginners.

If you’re ready to add this aromatic powerhouse to your garden or windowsill, here’s exactly how to grow and care for thyme.

Types of Thyme to Grow

There are over 50 varieties, but these are the most common for culinary use:

• English Thyme: Classic kitchen herb, strong flavor

• Lemon Thyme: Citrusy scent, great for teas and chicken dishes

• Creeping Thyme: Low-growing ground cover, also edible

Choose your variety based on both taste and appearance!

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun (6–8 hours/day)

• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil

• Watering: Drought-tolerant once established. Water only when the soil is completely dry

Important: Thyme hates wet feet—good drainage is key.

Planting Thyme

• From seed: Slow to germinate, best for patient growers

• From cuttings or nursery plants: Fast and easy option

• Spacing: 12–18 inches between plants (thyme spreads horizontally)

Container growers: Use pots with holes and add sand/perlite to the mix.

How to Harvest Thyme

• Harvest once the plant is 6 inches tall

• Trim stems just above a leaf pair

• Avoid cutting more than ⅓ of the plant at once

Pro tip: For best flavor, harvest thyme right before flowering, usually in early summer.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Trim regularly to keep plants compact

• Remove any woody, dry stems in early spring

• Avoid over-fertilizing—thyme does better in lean soil

If grown indoors, rotate the pot weekly to keep it from leaning toward the light.

Drying and Storing

• Hang stems upside down in a dry place

• Once crisp, strip leaves and store in airtight jars

• Dried thyme retains strong flavor for months.