Native thyme is an aromatic herb that has been used for centuries in cooking, medicine, and even as an insect repellent. It has a distinct flavor that adds depth to many dishes and is a great addition to any herb garden. Growing native thyme is easy, and it is a great way to add a unique flavor to your cooking.

Here at Garden Pie, we shall look into how to cultivate, grow and care for native thyme.

What you need to know about native thyme

Native thyme is a hardy evergreen plant that is native to Europe and North Africa, and is a member of the mint family. It has been used for centuries to flavor dishes and as a medicinal herb. Native thyme is a versatile herb that adds a subtle flavor to dishes and is a great addition to any herb garden. 

Facts you need to know about native thyme includes:

• Name: native thyme, cut-leaf mint bush (Prostanthera incisa).
• Height: up to 1.5m.
• Plant type: perennial shrub.
• Climate: cool and warm temperate, sub-tropical. 
• Soil: moist, well drained and slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5), enriched with organic matter.
• Position: full sun to part shade.
• Foliage: small, ovate and highly aromatic with softly toothed edges.
• Flowering: masses of mauve-purple, cup-shaped blooms appear in spring.
• Feeding: feed after flowering with a complete organic-based fertiliser.
• Watering: water regularly.

Appearance and characteristics of native thyme

• Native thyme is a small, woody perennial shrub that has small, gray-green leaves and small, pale-pink flowers. The leaves are oval-shaped and grow in pairs along the stems. It is a low-growing plant, usually reaching only around 8-12 inches in height. The flowers are small and star-shaped and come in shades of pink, purple, or white.
• It is a hardy plant that grows well in dry, sunny locations and is resistant to heat and drought. It is also very easy to grow, as it does not require a great deal of maintenance. Additionally, because of its strong scent and flavor, it is often used as an insect repellent.
• In the kitchen, native thyme is often used to season a variety of dishes. It is often used in combination with other herbs to enhance the flavor of soups, stews, roasts, and sauces. It is also used to flavor oils, vinegars, and egg dishes.
• It has also been used for centuries in medicinal purposes. It has been known to be used as an antiseptic, and it has also been used to treat a number of ailments, including colds, coughs, and digestive problems.

Uses for native thyme

Native thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an herb that has been used in culinary and medicinal applications for centuries. It has a sweet, pungent flavor and aroma that is often used to enhance the flavor of soups, stews, sauces, and salads. Native thyme is also used to make herbal teas and tinctures and as an ingredient in bath and body products.

In the Kitchen

Native thyme is a popular herb used in many dishes.

• It can be used fresh or dried, and is often added to soups, stews, sauces, and salads.
• It pairs well with a variety of vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, and onions.
• It is also often used to season meats, poultry, and fish.
• It can be used in marinades and rubs, and is often used to flavor savory dishes like omelets, stuffing, and egg dishes.

For Medicinal Use

Native thyme has a long history of medicinal use. It is known to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and is often used to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma.

• It can also be used to soothe sore throats and to reduce congestion.
• It is also used as a digestive aid, and has been known to help relieve indigestion, gas, and bloating.

For Skin Care

Native thyme is often used in skin care products, such as soaps and lotions.

• It can be used to treat acne, eczema, and other skin conditions.
• It is also an effective antifungal agent, and can be used to treat athlete’s foot, jock itch, and other fungal infections.
• It is also known to be an effective insect repellent, and can be used to ward off fleas, ticks, and other pests.

For Aromatherapy

Native thyme has a sweet, pungent aroma that is often used in aromatherapy.

• It is known to have calming and soothing effects, and can be used to reduce stress and anxiety.
• It can also be used to improve concentration and mental clarity.
• It is also known to act as an aphrodisiac, and can be used to enhance libido.

How to grow native thyme ?

Native thyme is easy to grow, and it is an ideal choice for beginning gardeners. With a few simple steps, you can learn how to grow native thyme in your garden:

• Choose a location. Native thyme thrives in full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The soil should be well-draining and slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.
• Prepare the soil. Before planting native thyme, prepare the soil by tilling it to a depth of 12-18 inches. Make sure to remove any weeds and rocks, and add a 2-3 inch layer of organic matter, such as compost or aged manure.
• Plant the seeds. Native thyme seeds are tiny, so it is best to mix them with some sand or vermiculite before planting. This will make it easier to spread the seeds evenly. Sow the seeds directly into the soil, or start them indoors and then transplant them when they have grown to about two inches tall.
• Water and fertilize. Water your native thyme plants regularly and evenly, making sure not to overwater. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
• Harvest and store. Native thyme can be harvested when the leaves are about two inches long. Cut the stems just above the leaves, and store them in a cool, dry place. The leaves can be dried or frozen for future use.

Caring for native thyme

Caring for native thyme is relatively easy and requires minimal maintenance. 

• When growing thyme outdoors, it should be planted in an area with full sun and well-drained soil. It is an extremely hardy herb and can tolerate a range of temperatures. For best results, introduce a layer of organic mulch around the thyme to help retain moisture.
• It should be watered regularly, but not too frequently. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Fertilizer is not necessary, but if you choose to use it, use a balanced fertilizer that is low in nitrogen.
• If you are growing thyme indoors, it is important to keep it in an area with ample light. Place it near a sunny window or use grow lights if necessary. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy and fertilize lightly every few weeks.
• Thyme should be trimmed regularly to promote new growth and maintain a neat appearance. Prune the herb back by 1 to 2 inches every few weeks and use pruners or scissors to remove dead or damaged parts. 
• It is susceptible to pests and diseases, so it is important to inspect the plants regularly for signs of trouble. Check the underside of leaves for small insects and remove any affected leaves or stems. If necessary, you can use an insecticidal soap to control any infestations.

How often should you water and feed native thyme ?

Native thyme is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but if you want your thyme to look its best and produce a flavorful crop, it is important to provide it with regular water and nutrients. By following these tips, you can ensure that your native thyme is healthy and thriving in your garden:

• When it comes to watering, native thyme needs a moderate amount of moisture. It should be watered regularly, but not to the point of saturation. Aim for about one inch of water per week, and adjust your watering schedule depending on the weather conditions. In hotter months, you may need to water more frequently. During the winter, you can reduce your watering schedule slightly.
• In terms of feeding, native thyme should be fertilized every three to four weeks. Use a balanced fertilizer that is formulated for herbs, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer. If you are using a liquid fertilizer, mix it with water and apply it at the base of the plant. If you are using a granular fertilizer, sprinkle it around the base of the plant and then water it in.

How and when to harvest native thyme ?

Harvesting native thyme is a relatively simple process, but it requires timing and care to ensure the best flavor and aroma.

• It should take place in mid to late summer, when the plant is at its peak. Look for leaves that are bright green and fragrant, and pick them off gently by hand. Avoid harvesting any leaves that are discolored, wilted, or otherwise damaged, as they will not provide optimal flavor.
• To harvest native thyme, start by snipping off a few stems at the base of the plant. Be sure to leave enough stems so that the plant can continue to grow. Next, use scissors or a sharp knife to cut the stem just above the leaves. Remove the leaves from the stem and discard the stem.
• Once the leaves have been harvested, it's important to dry them properly. Spread the leaves out on a paper towel and allow them to air-dry in a cool, dark space for a few days. Once they have dried completely, store them in an airtight container for up to six months.

How to propagate native thyme ?

Native thyme can be propagated through a variety of methods, including division, cuttings, and layering.

Propagation by Division

Native thyme can be propagated through division.

• To do this, first prepare a new planting area by tilling and adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure to the soil.
• Dig up the existing thyme plant and carefully divide it into several sections. Each section should have a good root system and at least a few healthy shoots.
• Plant the sections in the prepared area, spacing them about 8-10 inches apart.
• Water well and keep the soil moist.

Propagation by Cuttings

Another way to propagate native thyme is by taking cuttings.

• Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy shoot of the thyme plant and strip any leaves from the bottom half.
• Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and then insert it into a prepared planting medium, such as a potting mix or vermiculite.
• Keep the soil moist and warm until the cutting has rooted (this can take up to 6 weeks).
• Once rooted, transplant the cutting into its own pot or the prepared planting area.

Propagation by Layering

Native thyme can also be propagated through layering.

• To do this, bend a shoot of the thyme plant to the ground, and cover it with soil.
• Secure the shoot in place with a stone or other weight.
• Water the area and keep it moist. After a few weeks, roots should form at the point where the shoot is in contact with the soil.
• When the roots have developed, carefully cut the shoot from the parent plant, and transplant it into its own pot or the prepared planting area.