Thymus citriodorus -Lemon thyme in seedlings

The Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus) is a variety with leaves that release a pleasant lemon scent. Its leaves add flavor to many dishes and its lemony note is particularly suitable for fish, vegetables, or infusions. Thyme thrives in most types of soil, including rocky soil, but is sensitive to excess moisture. The plug plants are produced using organic methods and can be planted in spring or autumn for year-round harvesting.

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, it forms small, fragrant clumps with evergreen gray-green foliage. This bee-friendly plant produces pretty little flowers in summer, ranging in color from white to pink-purple depending on the varieties.

Its leaves with a scent of the garrigue are highly appreciated in cooking. Used alone or in a bouquet garni, combined with Bay Leaf, Parsley, and Rosemary, Thyme leaves flavor stews, sauces, marinades, and court-bouillons. They can also be used in infusions, known for their ability to relieve digestive problems.

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

Harvesting: Thyme can be harvested throughout the year as its leaves are evergreen. It is best to pick it in the morning. Thyme is most fragrant during its flowering period in summer. Since it is advisable to prune it to maintain a compact shape, take advantage of this to stock up for the winter months!

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

The gardener's tip: In the garden, don't hesitate to mix genres by placing some herbs like Thyme in the middle of your perennial borders or in rockeries. They will integrate perfectly and the sometimes strong scents of aromatic plants often have the ability to repel insects that may attack slightly sensitive plants like some roses.