THYME Seeds

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a low-growing, perennial Mediterranean herb with tiny aromatic leaves and a warm, earthy, savory flavor. A drought-tolerant, evergreen kitchen-garden essential used fresh or dried.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Thymus vulgaris
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated perennial herb
• Days to maturity: about 70 to 90 days to harvest
• Hardiness: perennial in USDA zones 5 to 9
• Sun: Full sun
• Spacing: 9 to 12 inches apart
• Planting depth: 1/4 inch, sow shallow as seeds need light
• Mature height: 6 to 12 inches

Best for

• Seasoning soups, stews, and roasts
• Flavoring meats and poultry
• Drying for year-round use
• Edging, ground cover, and containers
• Attracting pollinators when in bloom

How to grow

Sow seeds shallowly in warm, well-drained, sandy soil and keep lightly moist until they sprout. Grow in full sun; thyme is drought-tolerant once established, so water moderately and let the soil dry between waterings. Trim regularly to keep growth compact and harvest sprigs as needed.

Flavor profile

Warm, earthy, and slightly minty with a savory, woodsy aroma.

About 99Heirlooms

99Heirlooms specializes in non-GMO, open-pollinated heirloom seeds chosen for flavor and reliability, so you can grow proven varieties and save seed season after season.