Thyme is a wonderful herb with a pleasant, pungent, clover flavor. It is a low-growing hardy perennial, thyme is a fragrant herb with small, fragrant leaves and thin, woody stems. This herb is drought-friendly so it doesn’t have high watering needs. It is also pollinator-friendly! Let some thyme plants flower, since the herb attracts the bees.

Key benefits

In foods, thyme is used as a flavoring agent.

The flowers, leaves, and oil are used as medicine. Thyme is sometimes used in combination with other herbs.

In manufacturing, thyme oil can be used in perfumes. It is also used in soaps, cosmetics, and toothpastes.

Gardening tips

Thyme can grow in the ground or in a container.

Thyme thrives in full sun and loves heat. If you are growing in a pot indoors, plant near a sunny window.

Soil needs to drain well so there aren’t “wet feet.” In the garden, plant with other drought-tolerant perennials.

Water deeply only when the soil is completely dry.

Harvest thyme just before the plant flowers by cutting off the top five to six inches of growth. Leave the tough, woody parts.