Thymus citriodorus variegated - Lemon Thyme

The Variegated Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus variegated) is a variety of lemon thyme with variegated cream-edged green foliage. Its leaves flavour many dishes, and its lemony scent is particularly suited for fish, vegetables, or infusions. Thyme thrives in most soil types, including rocky soil, but it is sensitive to excess moisture. Plant it in spring or autumn and harvest it all year round.

Native to Western and Southern Europe, where it is sometimes found in the wild, thyme is a perennial undershrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Hardy and evergreen, it forms small fragrant clumps with greyish-green foliage. This honey plant produces lovely small flowers in summer, ranging in colour from white to pinkish-purple, depending on the variety.

Its fragrance of the Mediterranean scrubland is highly appreciated in cooking. Used alone or in bouquet garni, combined with bay leaf, parsley, and rosemary, thyme leaves add flavour to slow-cooked dishes, sauces, marinades, and stock. They are also used in infusions, known for their digestive properties.

Thyme is a resilient and easy-to-grow herb that thrives in poor, light, or even rocky and well-drained soils. If your soil is somewhat moist and clayey, we recommend growing it in a pot where it will thrive.

Harvest: Thyme can be harvested annually as its leaves are evergreen. Preferably pick in the morning. Thyme is most fragrant during its flowering period in summer. Since it benefits from pruning to maintain a compact shape, use this to gather some for the winter months!

Preservation: Thyme is traditionally preserved by drying. After washing and drying the stems, hang the bunches upside down in a dry, well-ventilated place. This is a simple and quick process that you can replace with freezing if it is more convenient.

The gardener's tip: Don't hesitate to mix different types of plants by placing some herbs like thyme in the middle of your perennial flower beds or even in rockeries. They will integrate beautifully, and the sometimes strong scents of aromatic plants can often repel insects that may attack more delicate plants such as roses.