Growing guide

Best time to plant thyme in Australia

Thymus vulgaris

Also called common thyme, garden thyme

Thyme is a Mediterranean culinary herb in the mint family, most often the common species Thymus vulgaris. Its small aromatic stems and leaves are used fresh or dried. Ancient Greeks burnt it as incense, and it also has a place in the garden as an ornamental.

On a shared plot: stays for years

Holds its spot for years. Check your garden's rules and how long your plot licence runs.

When to sow

ZoneMonthsHow well checked
CoolSep to DecNot yet checked against a local guide
TemperateMar to Apr, Sep to DecNot yet checked against a local guide
SubtropicalMar to OctNot yet checked against a local guide
TropicalMar to SepNot yet checked against a local guide
AridSep to DecNot yet checked against a local guide

Your local conditions can shift any months shown here, so treat them as a guide.

Growing details

How to start
Sow directly or raise seedlings
Sowing depth
3mm
Plant spacing
15cm
Row spacing
30cm
Height
25cm
Germination
14-21 days at 18-21°C
Time to harvest
70-90 days
Frost
Hardy, takes a light frost
Sun
Full sun
Life cycle
perennial

These are typical figures, and varieties differ. Your seed packet takes priority.

Further reading on this plant