Members only
Unlock the Plant Library
Care guides for 220+ plants: light, water, soil, pets, seasonal calendars and troubleshooting. Enter the password from your welcome email to get in.
Plant Profiles / Thyme
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris · Common thyme
A tiny-leaved, aromatic herb that loves sun and dry soil. Great in pots and between pavers.
Full sunLight
WeeklyWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Sun.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Let dry.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Dry.
Temperature
-15–35°C (5–95°F)
CoolWarm
Hardy.
Growth
Slow
SlowFast
15–30 cm.
Soil
Gritty
LeanRich
Free-draining.
Fertiliser
Rarely
RarelyOften
Little.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Safe.
About this plant
Thyme is native to the Mediterranean. It's a small woody shrub; trim after flowering to keep it compact.
Best spots
Sunny herb pots and balconies.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Thymus vulgaris |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Origin | Mediterranean |
| Plant type | Perennial herb |
| Mature size | 15–30 cm |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Flowers | Pink-lilac |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Propagation | Cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Harvest
Trim
HarvestTrim
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Woody | Trim. |
| Rot | Wet. |
| Sparse | Shade. |
| Grey leaves | Normal. |
| Dieback | Drainage. |
Common questions
Harvest?
Snip tips.
Pots?
Yes.
Pet safe?
Yes.
Perennial?
Yes.
