Harvest/Storage Harvest thyme just before the plant flowers by cutting off the top five to six inches of growth. Leave the tough, woody parts. It's best to harvest thyme in morning after the dew has dried. Clean leaves should not be washed, because it removes some of the essential oils.

Do I need to harvest thyme?

Thyme is an evergreen perennial, so leaves can be picked fresh all year round. However, the best time to pick thyme is in early summer, when the plant is at its most productive, before flowering.

When should I harvest thyme?

If the thyme is at least 4-5 inches across in diameter, it has matured and is ready for harvest! You can harvest fresh thyme periodically throughout the growing season, spring and summer. For the most flavor from your herbs, trim cuttings right before or as the plant flowers.

Does thyme grow back after cutting?

Use small garden shears or scissors to remove only the soft, green stems from the plant. Do not cut past the woody parts of the herb—this is where it the new growth will occur. Cutting the thyme way back will allow the herb to better withstand the winter weather and encourages new growth in the following season.

Is it OK to let thyme flower?

Thyme's tiny flowers are pretty and white. Though you can pinch the flowers off to allow the plant to produce more leaves, the flavor of thyme really isn't compromised by letting the plant bloom.

A Guide to Thyme

18 related questions found

What's the difference between rosemary and thyme?

The main difference between thyme and rosemary is that rosemary has a strong and pungent flavour than thyme. ... Both these herbs belong to the mint family and have a somewhat similar flavour profile. Moreover, they are often used together in cooking.

Are thyme leaves edible?

Common thyme, or Thymus vulgaris, is a small perennial plant, growing no taller than 8 inches. When it is mature, the stems become woody and have tiny leaves that are grayish-green. ... Both the leaves and the flowers are edible.

How do you trim thyme so it keeps growing?

In late fall, after the first frost, select one-third of the oldest and woodiest stems on your thyme plant. Using sharp, clean shears, cut these stems back by half. Repeat the process the next year until your thyme plant has returned to growing younger, more tender stems all over the plant.

How do you maintain thyme?

How to care for thyme. Thyme will rarely need watering apart from during very prolonged periods of dry or drought conditions in summer. Ensure plants in pots are not allowed to completely dry out. Thyme doesn't like rich soil, but will benefit from a light feeding of a high potash plant food in spring.

How do you harvest thyme without killing the plant?

All you need to do is remove a small top portion of each stem every week or so. You do this with a pinching action on the top of the stem. This removes the top part of the stem cleanly and those dormant leaf buds will then start to grow. Pinching and harvesting do not damage your herb plants.

How do you pick and dry thyme?

You can choose to dry the entire stem or remove the tiny leaves. The leaves will dry more quickly off the stem but they will remove more easily from an already dried piece of the herb. To remove the leaves, pinch the end of the stem with your thumb and forefinger and pull up the stalk. The leaves will fall off.

How do you harvest potted thyme?

Using and Harvesting Thyme

You can start using your thyme as soon as the plant has plenty of foliage. Cut off the stems and rinse them. Pick off the leaves or simply run your thumb and index finger down the length of the stem to push off the leaves. Chop the leaves or add them whole to sauces, soups and other dishes.

Can you dry fresh thyme?

Once the stems have cooled to room temperature, remove the leaves by hand. Dehydrating: The quickest method of drying thyme requires a food dehydrator. Place the thyme in the dehydrator at 100°F for 1 to 2 hours until completely dry. Strip and store.

What is thyme leaves good for?

Thyme is taken by mouth for bronchitis, whooping cough, sore throat, colic, arthritis, upset stomach, stomach pain (gastritis), diarrhea, bedwetting, a movement disorder in children (dyspraxia), intestinal gas (flatulence), parasitic worm infections, and skin disorders.

Does thyme come back every year?

A majority of herbs are perennials throughout most of the United States. That means they come back year after year and usually get bigger or spread in territory each year. Some of our most-used cooking herbs are perennials, including sage, oregano and thyme.

How long does a thyme plant live?

Thyme is a perennial herb that often only lives for 5 or 6 years even with good care. After 3 years thyme plants growth tends to slow down and produce less leaves with a weak aroma and inferior flavour compared to younger thyme plants.

Is thyme an invasive plant?

I must mention that most members of the mint family will become quite invasive if left to their own devices. Mint, oregano, pennyroyal and even thyme will spread through underground runners and can quickly take over the garden. They can be hard to remove as small bits of roots left behind can grow into full plants.

Will thyme survive winter?

Most selections of thyme (Thymus sp.) are hardy to USDA Zones 5 to 9 and marginally hardy to Zone 4 with added winter protection. In areas with cold winters, thyme is considered semi-evergreen, meaning that the plant will retain some of its foliage during winter but not all.

How often should I water thyme?

Water: Most varieties of thyme are drought-resistant, so only give a thorough watering, when the soil is completely dry. Spacing: Thyme is a vigorous grower, so be sure to space accordingly.

Is thyme toxic?

Is thyme poisonous? Thyme is safe, in general, when used according to recommendations. However, essential oil of thyme can be toxic orally, classified into, photo-toxic, irritant and narcotic oils.

What are the side effects of thyme?

Thyme is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth as medicine for short periods of time. In some people, it can cause digestive system upset, headache, or dizziness.

Does thyme raise blood pressure?

Thyme is generally safe. However, using too much, especially if ingesting it as an essential oil, can lead to a drop in your blood pressure or hypotension. If you are on high blood pressure medications or anticoagulants, consult your doctor before using thyme essential oil or supplements.