Thyme, a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, is a versatile plant that offers both culinary and medicinal benefits. Originating from the Mediterranean region, thyme is evergreen in mild climates and comes in various species and cultivars, each with its own unique characteristics. Whether you’re a cooking enthusiast or looking to boost your natural wellness practice, incorporating thyme into your herb garden is a wise choice.
Thyme contains thymol, a phenol that gives it its strong flavor. Not only does thymol add a delightful taste to your dishes, but it also boasts antioxidant and antifungal properties, and supports a strong immune system. Keeping a tincture of thyme at home is a smart move for natural wellness.
When it comes to growing thyme, it thrives best in Zones 5 to 9, and it’s a drought-tolerant perennial that loves full sun. If grown outdoors, it’s important to prune it back every fall to prevent it from becoming woody. And remember, thyme doesn’t require excessive watering. However, if you prefer to have thyme close by, it can also be grown indoors in larger pots near a sunny window, ensuring a fresh supply of thyme sprigs throughout the year.
Now let’s take a closer look at some exceptional thyme varieties to add to your herb garden this season:
1. Caraway Thyme
Also known as T. herba-barona, caraway thyme is both edible and ornamental. It emits a delightful caraway scent, thanks to the carvone terpenoids it contains. With its dark green and glossy leaves, reddish stems, and charming pink flowers that bloom from late spring to summer, caraway thyme is a favorite among local butterflies and bees. This low-growing, creeping species is perfect for filling in the spaces between stones and raised beds, making it a dream for landscapers.
2. Creeping Thyme
T. serpyllum, or creeping thyme, is a subshrub that stays low to the ground, reaching a height of only one inch with stems that can extend up to four inches. Also known as Breckland, wild, and elfin thyme, this variety loves full sun and has a strong scent akin to oregano. You can harvest the leaves and flowers for cooking, or let the plant grow into an enchanting aromatic ground cover for your yard. Creeping thyme spans one to two inches in height and spreads 12 to 18 inches wide.
…
7. Wooly Thyme
Formerly known as T. psuedolanuginosus and reclassified as T. praecox subsp. britannicus, wooly thyme is a low-growing, spreading plant with hairy leaves and stems. The sparsely scattered white hairs give this ornamental thyme a surreal and soft furry appearance. With its dense cushions of broad mats and pale pink flowers that bloom in early summer, wooly thyme creates an ideal carpet-like ground cover. It reaches a height of up to three inches and can spread up to 12 inches wide. Although it may not be as fragrant as other varieties, wooly thyme finds its best application in beds, borders, and rock gardens.
So, whether you’re a cooking enthusiast or a herbal medicine advocate, integrating thyme into your herb garden is a fantastic choice. The diverse range of thyme varieties available ensures that you can find the perfect ones to suit your needs and preferences. Whether you choose caraway, creeping, or wooly thyme, each variety brings its own unique charm to your garden. So go ahead, plant some thyme and enjoy the wonderful flavors and benefits that this versatile herb has to offer.