Seed Depth: 1/4 inch

Seed Spacing: 8–12 inches

Row Spacing: 12–18 inches

Sunlight: Full sun

Days to Sprout: 10–21 days

Days to Maturity: 75–90 days

Growth Habit: Low-growing, spreading perennial

Sunlight: Prefers full sun with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil Type: Thrives in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–8.0. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.

When to Plant: Sow seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

Direct Sowing: Scatter seeds thinly on the soil surface and lightly cover with a thin layer of soil or sand.

Indoor Sowing: Start seeds in trays and transplant seedlings when they are 2–3 inches tall.

Succession Planting: Not typically needed; thyme is a perennial that regrows each year.

Watering: Water sparingly; thyme prefers dry conditions once established. Allow soil to dry between waterings.

Fertilizing: Minimal fertilization is needed. Apply a light layer of compost in spring to encourage new growth.

Pruning: Trim plants regularly to maintain a compact shape and encourage bushy growth. Remove woody stems in early spring.

Pest and Disease Control: Generally pest-resistant, but watch for spider mites or fungal diseases in humid conditions. Ensure proper spacing for airflow.

When to Harvest: Begin harvesting leaves once plants are well-established, typically 75–90 days after planting.

How to Harvest: Snip sprigs with scissors or gently strip leaves from stems. Harvest in the morning for the best flavor.

Seed Collection: Allow flowers to dry on the plant and collect seeds from the spent blooms.

Storing Seeds: Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.