COMMON THYME SEEDS (Thymus vulgaris)-Thyme is evergreen in zones 4 through 12 but will darken during winter. In zones lower than 4, it will grow as an annual. A small and dainty herb, Thyme is one of the most cherished of all herb seed varieties. An excellent aromatic and culinary herb, Thyme also possesses select medicinal qualities. Plant thyme seeds in a sunny spot with proper irrigation. Planting instructions: Sowing: Start thyme herb seeds indoors 5-6 weeks before the last frost, sowing them 1/4" deep in a flat. Keep them out of direct sunlight, but make sure the soil temperature is at least 70 degrees F. Germination may take up to 28 days. Well after the last frost, transplant the seedlings 9-12" apart in sandy soil and full sun. Direct sowing is possible but not recommended, since the seeds take much longer to germinate in the cool soil of spring; this significantly shortens the growing season and delays the harvest of fresh leaves. Thyme also grows well as a container plant, and can be propogated from cuttings or root division. As a companion plant, thyme attracts bees and discourages harmful insects such as the cabbage butterfly. Growing: Make sure the seedlings have adequate moisture, but as soon as they are established do not water them. Thyme thrives on neglect, preferring dry soil with no fertilization. If the soil becomes too wet, the plant may suffer from root rot or other fungal diseases. Control weeds to prevent them from competing with the slow developing thyme. Mulch may help to keep the leaves clean and discourage weeds. After the second spring of the plants' growth, prune the plants down to half their height to encourage tender stems and neat growth. Harvesting: Harvest fresh leaves as soon as they reach a desirable size, cutting them down to 1-2" above ground level. The best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried. The leaves reach their peak in flavor right before the flowers open; after this point the flavor decreases. To dry entire sprigs, bundle them and hang them upside down in a warm place out of direct sunlight. After they have dried, rub them lightly to separate the leaves from the stems. Store the leaves in an airtight container. Seed Saving: Harvest individual thyme herb seed heads as they mature and begin to dry. Spread them out to dry out of direct sunlight, then thresh them to remove the seed. Store the Thymus vulgaris seed in a cool, dry place. Common Names: German Thyme, Garden Thyme Latin Name: Thymus vulgaris Species Origin: Mediterranean, Southern Europe Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Warm Season Life Cycle: Perennial USDA Zones: 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Planting Method: From Transplant Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun Height: 8 Inches Color: Green Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer Uses: Attracts Honeybees, Attracts Butterflies, Aromatic, Deer Resistant Buy Seeds Online Organic Seeds Heirloom Seeds Non-GMO Seeds Vegetable Seeds Flower Seeds Herb Seeds Fruit Seeds Garden Seeds Seed Starter Kits Rare Seeds Bulk Seeds Indoor Gardening Seeds Seed Catalog Seed Packs for Sale Sustainable Seeds Greenhouse Seeds Seed Suppliers Planting Seeds Home Garden Seeds