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Seeds Lamiaceae

Organic seeds

Tourne-sol

Thyme organic

Name: Thyme organic
Brand: Tourne-sol
SKU: LM204-a
Price: 4.49 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Thymus vulgaris

Common thyme is a compact perennial herb whose small evergreen leaves deliver an earthy, peppery flavour. The packet contains 200 organic, open-pollinated Thymus vulgaris seeds. Start seeds indoors ten weeks before planting, on the surface of fine seed-starting mix. Set plants in full sun and light, freely drained soil. They generally reach 20 to 30 cm and tolerate drought once established. Harvest leafy stems fresh or dry them for soups, roasted vegetables, sauces, marinades, and Mediterranean dishes. Small summer flowers also provide nectar for bees. Careful drainage, especially during winter, helps the plants remain healthy and aromatic for several seasons in Zone 5 gardens and warmer areas.

Sold as 200 seeds

4 ⁴⁹$

Common nameCommon thyme

FamilyLamiaceae

GenusThymus

Speciesvulgaris

TypeSeeds

Botanical nameThymus vulgaris

Reproducible seedsYes

Thyme organic (Thymus vulgaris) is a low, bushy perennial herb valued for its small evergreen leaves and earthy, peppery flavour. Used fresh or dried, the leaves season Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, roasted vegetables, soups, sauces, and marinades. The Tourne-Sol packet contains 200 organic, open-pollinated seeds. Plants generally reach 20 to 30 cm tall and gradually spread. Small, pale, nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other pollinators. The producer lists approximately 90 days to maturity, indoor sowing ten weeks before planting, and Zone 5 hardiness. Its compact habit makes common thyme useful in kitchen gardens, sunny borders, rock gardens, and well-drained containers near the cooking area.

Surface sow the tiny seeds on fine, moist starting mix without covering them, because light supports germination. Maintain 15 to 20°C and gentle moisture until emergence, usually within two to four weeks. Move seedlings into abundant light as soon as they appear. After hardening them off, transplant outdoors from mid-spring to early summer, spacing plants 20 to 30 cm apart. Choose full sun and light, gritty or sandy, freely drained soil, preferably neutral to alkaline. Avoid rich, waterlogged ground, especially in winter, because prolonged moisture weakens roots. Weed carefully while plants are small and keep surrounding mulch away from the crown.

Water regularly while roots establish, then let the soil surface dry between waterings. Once established, thyme tolerates drought and needs little fertilizer. Harvest a few stems as required, ideally before or near the beginning of flowering for concentrated aroma. Always cut above leafy growth and avoid pruning deeply into old, leafless wood. A light trim after flowering maintains a compact shape. In containers, use a pot with generous drainage holes and a very free-draining mix amended with grit. In cold or wet locations, shelter the container from winter rain and protect roots from repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Replace plants that become very woody and sparse after several seasons.

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun
Life cycle: Perennial

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

Surface sow; do not cover

Spacing / density

20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) between plants

Germination temperature

15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F)

Germination time

Approximately 14 to 28 days

Sowing period

Indoors, 10 weeks before outdoor planting

Propagation

Seed

Growing method

Fill cells with fine seed-starting mix, firm gently, and moisten from below. Scatter a few seeds on the surface without covering them; light assists germination. Cover the tray loosely to slow drying and maintain 15 to 20°C. Remove the cover as soon as seedlings emerge, usually after two to four weeks, then provide bright light. Thin or transplant seedlings without burying the crown. Start seeds ten weeks before the planned outdoor planting date. Harden plants gradually for one week, then set them outside from mid-spring to early summer, spacing them 20 or 30 cm apart. Choose full sun and light, gritty, neutral-to-alkaline soil with excellent drainage. Water until roots establish, then increase the interval between applications. During the first year, pinch only tender tips to encourage branching without slowing establishment. Keep gravel or mulch away from each crown. During the first weeks outdoors, remove competing weeds by hand and keep each crown clear. If soil remains wet for several days after rain, move thyme promptly to a mound or container. Once new growth is visible, begin small harvests, alternating among plants. Record the sowing date and compare development with the 90 days listed by Tourne-Sol. Protect newly planted seedlings from hard frost while their root systems are still limited.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Care level

Easy

Watering

Keep starting mix lightly moist during germination with a very fine spray or bottom watering. After planting, water deeply when the upper few centimetres of soil are dry to encourage rooting. Established plants tolerate drought and prefer to dry between applications. Always empty saucers. Reduce watering sharply during cool periods and prevent standing moisture around the crown, especially in winter. Water early enough for foliage to dry before night.

Soil type

This plant prefers light, sandy, gritty, or chalky soil with low to moderate fertility and excellent drainage. Neutral to alkaline pH is particularly suitable. In clay soil, choose a raised bed or incorporate mineral grit without creating a wet pocket. Avoid fresh compost, nitrogen-rich amendments, and locations where water collects after rain or during spring thaw. Keep organic mulch away from the woody crown during winter.

Fertilization

Thyme grows best in soil with low to moderate fertility. In the garden, a thin layer of mature compost in spring is usually sufficient; keep it away from the crown. In containers, apply balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength once or twice during active growth if needed. Avoid frequent feeding and high-nitrogen formulas, which create soft stems, dilute aroma, and make plants more vulnerable to winter moisture. Water after any application.

Seasonal care

In spring, gently remove dead stems when growth resumes and confirm that water drains quickly around the crown. Add very little compost, then replace plants that are entirely woody or sparse. Start new seed indoors ten weeks before planting. After hardening, space young plants 20 to 30 cm apart in a sunny position. In summer, harvest leafy tips regularly and leave some flowers for pollinators. Water only after soil dries; containers require more frequent checks. Trim lightly after flowering, always above green leaves, without cutting into bare old wood. In fall, stop fertilizing and reduce watering. Do not prune severely before winter. In wet locations, pull organic mulch away from the crown and shelter pots from persistent rain. Raise containers, group them away from strong wind, and insulate their sides when repeated freezes could damage roots. Check drainage openings after snow or ice events. After a difficult winter, wait for new shoots before deciding that a plant has died. Lightly scratch one stem near its base; green tissue indicates that it remains alive. Cut back only to healthy portions. If the centre stays bare after growth resumes, layer one leafy branch or establish a seed-grown replacement beside it. Label the planting year to plan gradual renewal. During spring cleanup, avoid pulling firmly on woody stems because shallow roots may lift from wet soil.

Container growing

Recommended pot size

One plant per freely drained 20 to 25 cm pot

Choose a pot at least 15 cm wide and 10 to 15 cm deep for one young plant; a 20 to 25 cm container provides more stability over several seasons. Generous drainage holes are essential. Use light potting mix blended with approximately one-quarter horticultural grit or perlite. Place the pot in full sun and rotate it occasionally for balanced growth. Water thoroughly, let it drain, then wait until the surface dries before watering again. Empty the saucer immediately. Feed very lightly during active growth. Harvest tips without cutting into old wood. After flowering, trim above green leaves. For winter, raise the pot, shelter it from wind and persistent rain, and insulate its sides in cold areas. A cool, bright garage may suit containers exposed to repeated outdoor freeze-thaw cycles. Check moisture sparingly during storage and never leave roots saturated. Repot the following spring only when roots fill the container or the mix has compacted. Move to a slightly larger pot and keep the crown at its original height. Divide old plants only while several sections still carry healthy green foliage. Label the container with the botanical name to prevent confusion at harvest. Inspect stems before bringing a pot near other indoor plants for winter.

Bloom and dimensions

Size, flowering & harvest

Foliage color

Grey-green

Foliage type

Evergreen to semi-evergreen depending on winter

Growth rate

Slow to moderate; approximately 90 days to maturity

Growth habit

Low, compact, and bushy

Fruiting

After flowering, dry calyces hold very small brown seeds. To save seed, allow several healthy plants to flower without trimming them. Cut stems when flower clusters turn brown, before all seeds fall, and finish drying them in a paper bag. Rub gently, screen out debris, and store only completely dry, labelled seed in cool conditions. Separate different flowering thyme selections when maintaining a specific seed line.

Days to maturity

Approximately 90 days

Harvest

Leafy stems as needed; ideally before or at the start of flowering

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Pair thyme with rosemary, sage, oregano, or lavender in a warm area with lean, freely drained soil. These plants share full sun and infrequent watering, making them convenient in containers or rock gardens. In the vegetable garden, place thyme along an edge instead of within a heavily fertilized, frequently irrigated bed. Plant combinations mainly bring compatible needs together; they do not guarantee pest prevention. Respect mature width and keep thyme out of deep shade cast by vigorous vegetables. Leave access for harvesting and seasonal trimming without stepping on low branches.

Garden use

Use fresh or dried leaves in soups, stews, sauces, marinades, bread, roasted vegetables, and meat or legume dishes. Whole stems flavour stock and can be removed before serving; stripped leaves may be crumbled directly into food. Their aroma withstands long cooking, while a small amount added near the end refreshes the fragrance. Healthy, correctly identified flowers are also edible and can garnish salads. Rinse harvested stems, dry them thoroughly, and remove woody portions before serving. Store dried leaves in an airtight container away from light and moisture.

Recipe idea

From garden to table

Edible parts

Leaves, young stems, and flowers

Thyme-roasted root vegetables: heat the oven to 220°C. Cut 750 g carrots, parsnips, and potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Toss them with 30 mL olive oil, 10 mL fresh thyme leaves, one minced garlic clove, 2 mL salt, and black pepper. Spread in one layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, turning the vegetables halfway through, until tender and deeply browned. Remove any woody stems, add 5 mL lemon juice and a few fresh leaves, then serve hot. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and use them within three or four days. Wash the harvested thyme and all vegetables before preparation. For even, safe cooking, do not crowd the baking sheet and test the largest pieces with a knife tip. Dried thyme can replace fresh thyme; use approximately 5 mL because its flavour is more concentrated. Garlic may be omitted according to preference. Use separate utensils when preparing food for people with known allergies and follow their individual dietary requirements.

Frequently asked questions

How can thyme seed be started successfully?

Start thyme indoors approximately ten weeks before outdoor planting. Fill cells with fine seed-starting mix, firm gently, and moisten from below. Place the tiny seeds on the surface without covering them because they benefit from light. Maintain 15 to 20°C and light moisture, never saturated conditions. Emergence normally takes two to four weeks and may be uneven. As soon as seedlings appear, remove the cover and provide bright light for 14 to 16 hours daily. Thin crowded clusters. Transplant carefully when seedlings can be handled without burying their crowns. Harden them gradually for one week, then plant from mid-spring to early summer in warm, freely drained soil. Keep young plants watered during establishment but let the surface begin drying between applications.

What location is best for thyme?

Choose a position receiving at least six hours of direct sun with free air circulation. Thyme prefers light, sandy, gritty, or chalky soil of low to moderate fertility, with neutral to alkaline pH. Drainage matters more than soil richness. No puddle should persist around the crown after rain. In heavy ground, use a raised bed, rock garden, or container filled with very free-draining mix. Avoid thick organic mulch that holds moisture against stems. A south-facing stone creates a warm microclimate suited to this Mediterranean species. Space plants 20 to 30 cm apart so they dry promptly after rain and can spread without crowding. Keep them away from automatic irrigation serving moisture-loving vegetables or annual flowers.

When and how should thyme be harvested?

Harvest several leafy tips once plants are well branched and firmly rooted. For concentrated aroma, cut stems in dry weather, after morning dew has evaporated, just before or near the beginning of flowering. Use clean scissors and always leave green leaves below each cut. Avoid pruning into bare old wood, which rarely produces strong new shoots. Rinse stems only when needed and dry them promptly. Use fresh leaves immediately or hang small bundles in a dark, dry, ventilated location. When leaves become crisp, strip them and store them in an airtight container away from light. Moderate, regular harvesting helps the plant remain compact. Leave some flowering stems untouched for bees and other pollinators.

Can thyme overwinter in a container?

Yes, but container roots experience more cold and freeze-thaw cycles than roots growing in the ground. Choose a frost-resistant pot at least 20 to 25 cm wide with several drainage holes. Use very free-draining mix and raise the container so water escapes. In fall, stop fertilizing, reduce watering, and shelter the pot from drying wind and persistent rain. Group it against a protected wall and insulate the sides with breathable material. A cool, bright garage may be suitable when the pot repeatedly freezes and thaws outdoors. Check moisture infrequently and water only enough to prevent complete desiccation. In spring, return the plant gradually to full sun and remove only dead portions. Never leave the pot standing in a water-filled saucer.

Are these thyme seeds organic and open-pollinated?

Yes. Ferme Tourne-Sol presents this packet of 200 Thymus vulgaris seeds as organic and open-pollinated. To collect seed, allow several healthy plants to flower and avoid trimming every stem. Very small seeds mature inside the calyces as flower clusters turn brown. Cut stems before they empty completely, then finish drying them in a paper bag kept in a dry, ventilated location. Rub heads gently, screen out debris, and store only completely dry seed in a labelled envelope. If several types of thyme flower nearby, cross-pollination may change the next generation. Suitable isolation or careful selection helps preserve more consistent characteristics over successive generations. Keep stored seed cool, dark, and dry until the next sowing period.