Herbs & Spices· Thymus vulgaris
Thyme Growing Guide
Low-growing perennial herb with small aromatic leaves rich in thymol. Widely used in culinary seasoning, herbal medicine, and essential oil production.
How Long Does Thyme Take to Grow?
Thyme is typically ready to harvest about 90 days after planting.
Growing Conditions
Soil Requirements
Soil Type & pH
Best soil types: sandy loam, calcareous, stony
pH range: 5.5 - 6.5 (optimal: 6)
Drainage: excellent
Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)
Planting Guide
Yield & Economics
Common Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
- spider mites
- aphids
- fungus gnats
Common Diseases
- root rot
- gray mold
- alternaria blight
Use AI crop disease detection to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.
Growing Tips
Harvest just before flowering when essential oil concentration peaks; cut stems to 5 cm above ground to encourage regrowth.
Replace plants every 3-4 years as they become woody and less productive; start new plants from cuttings of vigorous stems.
Avoid overhead irrigation; thyme is highly susceptible to fungal diseases in humid, poorly ventilated conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Thyme take to grow?
Thyme typically takes 90 days from planting to harvest. Seeds germinate in about 14 days. The best planting season is spring.
What soil does Thyme need?
Thyme grows best in sandy loam, calcareous, stony soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Excellent drainage is required.
What temperature does Thyme need?
Thyme grows best at 15-28°C. Frost tolerance: moderate. Heat tolerance: moderate.
What is the expected yield for Thyme?
Across 4 countries with grounded data, reported national yields for Thyme range from 500 to 2,000 kg dried herb/hectare, with a median of 1,750. These are national statistics, not a best-case figure — an individual farm's yield depends on variety, climate, soil and management. Multiple harvests per year are possible (2).
Key Agronomy Terms
Core farming concepts, explained in plain language.
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