Lemon Thyme Plants
Lemon Thyme plants (Thymus vulgaris) are low-growing, perennials plants Thyme is a highly aromatic herb which grows especially well in somewhat dry, sunny conditions. A Mediterranean herb, thyme holds its flavor in cooking and blends well with other flavors of the region, like , garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes.
How To Grow Lemon Thyme Plants
Different varieties of thyme have different growing habits. Some send up flower stalks, others form mats, and still others will cascade. Some varieties form an almost flat carpet. However, thyme is generally low growing, spreading, 6 to 10 inches in height.
To grow thyme from seed, sow into small pots (5cm diameter) in potting compost in March. Cover with a very thin layer of potting compost and keep the pots warm, preferably indoors or in a greenhouse. Seedlings should emerge within a week. Thin to 2-3 seedlings and keep the compost moist. When the first true leaves have grown (when the plants are 10cm tall), harden the plants off by moving the pots outside in the day then taking them in at night. Do this for up to a week, before leaving the pots out at night. This gradually acclimatises the plants so they are not shocked when planted outside. Transplant the young plants into their final positions, roughly 30cm apart in a well-drained soil in full sunlight. Harvest sparingly in the first year. To divide thyme, choose a healthy plant at least 3 years old. Simply dig it up in early spring and remove as much soil as possible from the roots. Then gently tear the plant into 3 or 4 pieces, each with sufficient roots and foliage to grow independently from the main plant. Place each new plant back in the ground and water thoroughly. The new plants should be robust enough to harvest the leaves from late summer.
Uses Of Lemon Thyme Plants
To grow thyme from seed, sow into small pots (5cm diameter) in potting compost in March. Cover with a very thin layer of potting compost and keep the pots warm, preferably indoors or in a greenhouse. Seedlings should emerge within a week. Thin to 2-3 seedlings and keep the compost moist. When the first true leaves have grown (when the plants are 10cm tall), harden the plants off by moving the pots outside in the day then taking them in at night. Do this for up to a week, before leaving the pots out at night. This gradually acclimatises the plants so they are not shocked when planted outside. Transplant the young plants into their final positions, roughly 30cm apart in a well-drained soil in full sunlight. Harvest sparingly in the first year. To divide thyme, choose a healthy plant at least 3 years old. Simply dig it up in early spring and remove as much soil as possible from the roots. Then gently tear the plant into 3 or 4 pieces, each with sufficient roots and foliage to grow independently from the main plant. Place each new plant back in the ground and water thoroughly. The new plants should be robust enough to harvest the leaves from late summer.
Caring Of Lemon Thyme Plants
Thyme requires very little attention - water only in very dry conditions and feed sparingly. A good mulch with organic matter in October time will help protect them from severe frost and will also provide most of their feeding needs. If organic matter is not available, a handful of bonemeal per plant in mid-May and July will meet their needs.
Uses Of Lemon Thyme Plants
- If keeping your thyme plant indoors, give it at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, and place it only in a room with average temperature and humidity levels.
- Bring beneficial bugs to the garden, including butterflies and bees, with a few thyme plants. Not only do these insects bring color and vibrancy to your outdoor space, but they’ll work hard to pollinate your flowers and plants.
- Preserve your thyme harvest by making a simple vinegar or oil infusion.
- Impart a burst of flavor to a simple grilled fish dish or plate of roast vegetables with a light sprinkling of this one-step thyme and lemon sea salt recipe.
- Use thyme in everything from refreshing detox waters to cocktail party favorites.
- Harness thyme’s potent healing powers in a homemade thyme oil. Although it is a complex process (outlined here), distilling your own essential oils can be very rewarding.
- As it’s rich in antioxidants and boasts antiseptic properties, thyme oil is fantastic for skin health. Use it to fight acne, eczema, inflammation, and signs of ageing; or to treat minor cuts, wounds, skin itching, and even razor burn.
I hope this article about Lemon Thyme Plants will be helpful
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