Thymus vulgaris Compactus - Common Organic Thyme

The Winter Compactus Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) or Common Thyme is a compact variety with a ball-shaped habit, resistant to cold. Its slightly greyish leaves are highly aromatic. Combined with Bay Leaf, Rosemary, and Parsley, its leaves make an ideal bouquet garni to flavour stews and sauces or for infusions. Thyme thrives in most soil types, including rocky soil, but is sensitive to excessive moisture. It 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 from the Lamiaceae family. Hardy and evergreen, it forms small fragrant clumps with grey-green foliage. This honey plant produces little flowers in summer, ranging from white to pinkish-purple, depending on the variety.

Its aromatic leaves are highly valued in cooking. Used alone or in a bouquet garni, combined with Bay Leaf, Parsley, and Rosemary, Thyme leaves flavour stews, sauces, marinades, and court-bouillons. They can also be used in infusions, known for their digestive properties.

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

Harvesting: 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 is necessary 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, well-ventilated place. This is a simple and quick process that you can replace with freezing if it seems more convenient.

The gardener's tip: Don't hesitate to mix different types by planting some herbs like Thyme in the middle of your perennial flower beds or even in rock gardens. They will blend in perfectly, and the sometimes strong scents of aromatic plants can often repel insects that may attack more delicate plants like roses.