Winter Thyme

Start Winter Thyme seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow seeds on the surface or barely press them into moist seed-starting mix; they benefit from light for germination. Maintain soil temperature around 70°F and keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings emerge in 10 to 20 days and can be potted up as they develop their first true leaves.

Harden off seedlings over 7 to 10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Transplant outdoors after the last frost date when soil has warmed and nighttime temperatures remain above 50°F. Space plants 8 inches apart in their final location, planting at the same depth they were growing in their containers.

Direct sow Winter Thyme seeds outdoors after the last spring frost. Scatter seeds on prepared, well-draining soil and press gently into place; do not cover, as seeds need light to germinate. Keep the seedbed lightly moist until seedlings establish, typically within 3 to 4 weeks.

Begin harvesting Winter Thyme once the plant has been growing for about 90 to 99 days and has developed substantial foliage. Pinch or snip sprigs from the tips of stems throughout the growing season, harvesting in the morning after dew has dried for the strongest flavor. For drying, harvest entire stems just before the plant flowers, when essential oils are most concentrated. The plant continues producing harvestable growth through fall and, in milder zones, even into winter.

Pinch back the growing tips of young plants when they reach 3 to 4 inches tall to encourage bushier, more compact growth. Once established, regular harvesting serves as natural pruning and prevents the plant from becoming woody. After flowering or in early spring, you can cut the plant back by one-third to rejuvenate older mounds and maintain their neat, compact shape.