Thyme is a perennial herb that often only lives for 5 or 6 years even with good care. After 3 years thyme plants growth tends to slow down and produce less leaves with a weak aroma and inferior flavour compared to younger thyme plants.

Does thyme come back every year?

A majority of herbs are perennials throughout most of the United States. That means they come back year after year and usually get bigger or spread in territory each year. Some of our most-used cooking herbs are perennials, including sage, oregano and thyme.

How do you keep thyme plant alive?

How to Keep Supermarket Herbs Alive: 5 Top Tips

1. Choose the right plants.
2. Repot them with fresh potting mix and larger pots.
3. Split up overcrowded plants.
4. Water regularly.
5. Harvest them correctly.
6. Most of us have bought potted herbs from supermarkets at some point in our lives.

Does thyme keep growing?

Or, if you keep trimming your thyme plant, it will keep growing (and also keep a compact shape). But always leave at least five inches of growth so plant will continue to thrive. Trim thyme whenever it gets leggy. To dry thyme, hang the sprigs in a dark, well-ventilated, warm area.

Does thyme live year round?

As much as possible, stick to herbs that are cold-hardy. These include parsley, marjoram, thyme, sorrel, and garlic chives. Herbs like sage and dill may survive outdoor conditions for a few weeks under the protection of a low tunnel.

Should I let thyme flower?

Thyme’s tiny flowers are pretty and white. Though you can pinch the flowers off to allow the plant to produce more leaves, the flavor of thyme really isn’t compromised by letting the plant bloom.

Is my thyme dead?

Symptoms. The thyme plant has a wilted or has a drooping appearance with leaves that are turning yellow or perhaps brown. Causes. Watering the thyme too frequently, slow draining or boggy soils that retain too much water, high humidity due to planting in close proximity.

How do you trim thyme so it keeps growing?

In late fall, after the first frost, select one-third of the oldest and woodiest stems on your thyme plant. Using sharp, clean shears, cut these stems back by half. Repeat the process the next year until your thyme plant has returned to growing younger, more tender stems all over the plant.

How do you care for potted thyme?

Water completely each time but allow the pot to dry before watering again. Fertilize thyme with a weak solution of fish emulsion or liquid seaweed, diluted by half every two weeks. Cut back overly woody stems on the thyme plant to force fresh new growth. Trim off flowers and dry them for a sachet or use them in tea.

How often should you water a thyme plant?

Thyme is an herb that can thrive with very little watering. You should only have to water this herb every 10–15 days. Thyme is also a plant that can thrive in colder months thanks to its hardy nature.

When should you cut back thyme?

Trim thyme back after it’s finished flowering to promote new growth. This will give you more leaves to harvest through autumn. If you don’t tidy them up, plants become woody and will need replacing after three years. Once established, thyme won’t need watering.

Is thyme Hardy?

Thyme is a hardy perennial herb, which means it survives throughout he winter months and will last for several years. Thyme grows to a height of up to 30cm. It is highly aromatic and emits a wonderful scent when trodden on. Some low-growing varieties of thyme are used as an alternative to a lawn.

Can thyme survive frost?

Cold-hardy herbs, such as chives, mint, oregano, parsley, sage and thyme, can often survive cold-winter temperatures while continuing to produce flavorful foliage, as long as they are provided with some protection or grown indoors.

What’s the difference between rosemary and thyme?

The main difference between thyme and rosemary is that rosemary has a strong and pungent flavour than thyme. Both these herbs belong to the mint family and have a somewhat similar flavour profile. Moreover, they are often used together in cooking.

What grows well with thyme?

8 Companion Plants to Grow With Thyme

• Strawberries. Thyme works as a deterrent to worms.
• Cabbage family crops.
• Tomatoes.
• Eggplants.
• Potatoes.
• Blueberries.
• Shallots.
• Roses.