German Thyme

• Type: perennial, zones 5 to 9
• Planting time: spring, fall
• Features: tiny, strongly aromatic and flavorful evergreen leaves
• Light: full sun
• Soil: well drained, on the dry side
• Height: 12 to 15 inches
• Spacing: 12 inches
• Garden use: herb garden, flower border, containers
• Culinary use: in Bouquet Garni; aromatic dishes

Thyme is an easy and practical herb to grow. Highly aromatic, it enhances meat dishes, eggs, cheeses, soups, and sauces, and it is a primary component of both Bouquet Garni and Herbes de Provence. Use it to elevate the flavor of good ol’ beef stew, too. This tiny-leaved thyme is among the most aromatic, more so than larger-leafed varieties. You may also hear it called winter thyme, because it is one of the most cold hardy of all the different thymes. The leaves are evergreen to semi-evergreen, depending on the how far North it is growing. In the warm, humid climates of zones 9 and 10 it may suffer in the summer; in zone 10 it is best to lower your expectations and just consider it a cool season annual.

Thyme is perfectly suited for containers because of its size and the fact that it demands perfect drainage. Give it excellent drainage in a pot and good air circulation. Because it is low growing and has thin stems and a wiry habit, don't crowd it because vigorous neighboring plants might choke it out. Upright growing rosemary is a good companion.

Some Bonnie Plants varieties may not be available at your local stores, as we select and sell varieties best suited to the growing conditions in each region.