Thymus vulgaris Winter - Common Thyme in plants

The 'Winter' Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) or Common Thyme is a cold-resistant variety with slightly greyish leaves that are very aromatic. Its leaves, combined with Bay, Rosemary, and Parsley, will make an ideal bouquet garni to flavor slow-cooked dishes, sauces, or use in infusions. Thyme thrives in most types of soil, including rocky soil, but is sensitive to excess moisture. These plug plants are produced using organic methods and can be planted in spring or autumn for year-round harvesting.

Originating from 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 persistent grey-green foliage. This nectar-rich plant produces lovely small flowers in summer, ranging in colour from white to pink-purple depending on the variety.

Its fragrance of the garrigue landscape is highly appreciated in cooking. Used alone or in a bouquet garni, combined with Bay, Parsley, and Rosemary, Thyme leaves flavour slow-cooked dishes, sauces, marinades, and stocks. They are also used in infusions, renowned for their digestive benefits.

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 just as well.

Harvest: Thyme can be harvested throughout the year as its leaves are evergreen. Pick them in the morning. Thyme is most aromatic during its flowering period in summer. As it benefits from pruning to maintain a nice compact shape, take advantage of this harvest to stock up for the winter months!

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

Gardener's tip: In the garden, don't hesitate to mix different types by planting some herbs like Thyme in the middle of your perennial beds or even in rockeries. They will blend in perfectly and the sometimes strong scents of aromatic plants often have the ability to repel insects that may attack more sensitive plants, such as certain roses.