Are there different varieties of thyme?
There are over 300 thyme varieties in the mint family of Lamiaceae, of which thyme is a member. All have been prized for centuries for their fragrance, flavor, and ornamental habit. With this dizzying array of thyme varieties, there is a possible specimen for nearly every climate and landscape.
What type of thyme is best for cooking?
There are only about half a dozen considered suitable for cooking. Out of this group, I find four to be most useful: French thyme, lemon thyme, oregano-scented thyme, and caraway thyme. French thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is the one that most people know. The plant grows into an upright bush 12 in. to 18 in.
How do I know what kind of thyme I have?
How to Identify Different Types of ThymeNotice the height of the plant. The low-creeping types of thyme grow 4 to 6 inches high. ... Observe the leaves for their shape and color. ... Check the stems and branches. ... Pick a few leaves and rub them between your fingers. ... Look for flowers.
What is the difference between thyme and French thyme?
French thyme is a variety of English thyme that has narrower, grey-green leaves and a slightly sweeter flavor. It is often preferred by chefs, and is excellent for seasoning meat, fish, soup, and vegetables. Just remember that its English counterpart is not only more robust, but has better cold tolerance.
What is the most popular thyme?
One of the most popular culinary thymes, lemon thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is known for its enticing lemon scent and taste. Sometimes listed in catalogs as Thymus x citriodorus, it is a hardy perennial that grows 4 to 12 inches tall.
Are all thyme varieties edible?
All thymes (and there are over 350 species in the genus Thymus) are edible and this includes varieties usually thought of as ornamental or medicinal. However, some are more popular in cooking than others.
What does common thyme look like?
It's simply Latin for “common” for an herb that's anything but! This includes any thyme called English or French, or similarly contradictorily Summer or Winter. It's also known as garden thyme. This type features deep green, slightly glossy leaves that grow in large, circular mounds and flower in light purple blooms.
What is the difference between thyme and wild thyme?
---Medicinal Action and Uses---In medicine, Wild Thyme or Serpolet has the same properties as Common Thyme, but to an inferior degree. It is aromatic, antiseptic, stimulant, antispasmodic, diuretic and emmenagogue.
Is thyme edible raw?
After all, recipes sometimes call for a "sprig of thyme," which suggests the entire plant is edible. In fact, thyme stems are too woody to be chewable or appetizing, but they can be used to infuse foods with deep thyme flavor.
Does thyme raise blood pressure?
Thyme is a flavorful herb packed with numerous healthy compounds. Rosmarinic acid is one such compound. Research has linked it to many benefits, such as reduced inflammation and blood sugar levels, as well as increased blood flow. It may also help reduce blood pressure ( 25 , 26 ).
Is English thyme different than regular thyme?
Each variety bears leaves of slightly different shapes, colors, and flavor. English thyme is a low-growing plant with flat, pointy, green, fragrant foliage. English thyme is also referred to as garden thyme or common thyme. French thyme has upright stems with small, narrow gray-green leaves.
Should you wash fresh thyme?
“It's important to carefully wash any produce—including fresh herbs—because [it] is handled before being sold, and whether the item is organic or conventional, the growing process leaves deposits on the item,” says Molly Siegler, global culinary and hospitality associate coordinator for Whole Foods.
14 Varieties of Thyme
Thyme is one of the most popular herbs in culinary circles. It’s easy to grow nature also makes it a favorite in the ornamental garden.
Culinary Thyme Varieties
These thyme varieties are grown for culinary use, though some are also used as ornamentals since they have large clusters of white, pink, or purple flowers.
Common Questions About Thyme
According to the Perdue Aromatic and Plants index, all species of Thymus vulgaris L. and Thymus serpyllum are classified as safe to use as culinary herbs or in essential oils. All the varieties we’ve listed here can be used to add flavor to your favorite recipes, although some are stronger and more aromatic than others.
Summary
Thyme’s many varieties offer the gardener a wide range of fragrances, flavors, looks, and growth habits.
What is the common thyme used for cooking?
22) English Thyme. English thyme is also called the garden thyme is the common thyme used for cooking. It is readily available, and further is the base for many various types of thyme.
What is the most sturdy thyme?
One of the most – sturdy thyme plants is the Lavender thyme. It has a clean and robust aroma of lavender.
What does lemon thyme taste like?
A perfect herb with beautiful yellowish-green foliage and subtle hints of lemon to its aroma. The taste of lemon thyme, though, is much like common thyme but with a lemony twist to it.
What is a zesty herby?
HERBS. A zesty herby is how thyme can be best described. This herb, like many others, is a part of the mint family. It is a perfect blend of peppery mint taste with hints of lime flavor and a slight bitter hue to it. It is not just a culinary herb but is equally important in the medicinal field too. Various types of thyme are used ...
What is caraway thyme?
Caraway thyme carries along with its beautiful ground covering foliage, the aroma of the caraway seeds. It has lovely deep green leaves stemming from red stems.
How tall does thyme grow?
A thyme shrub, which grows up to a height of around 6 inches and has leaves like stiff silver needles. It has a pungent taste and aroma and is a perfect culinary herb.
What is the color of thyme?
This thyme is grassy green in its color. Its slight lemony aroma is calm and relaxing. It produces very few flowers.
What is the best thyme to grow in a container?
Wild Thyme: also provides colorful flowers. Elfin Thyme: creeping variety with fragrant leaves. Perfect for rock gardens and ground cover. All of the above thyme varieties are great to grow either in containers or directly outdoors. Most of them have beautiful light green leaves and dark green leaves.
How to grow thyme from cuttings?
It’s best to purchase the plant or use some cuttings from another thyme plant. Plant the cuttings or seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before the last spring frost to get a head start. Be sure to choose a pot with good drainage.
What is the best thyme for cooking?
Common Thyme: yellow and variegated foliage. Perfect for cooking. Lemon Thyme: golden and silver foliage. Perfect for cooking. Woo lly Thyme: gre y in color. Great for rock gardens and ground cover. Creeping Thyme: colorful flowers that grow only 2 inches in height, also called mother-of-thymes. There are also “pink” creeping thyme varieties which ...
How many varieties of thyme are there?
Is it time to grow thyme? Lame joke, we know, but when it comes to thyme, did you know there are numerous different thyme varieties each with its own distinct flavor and growing guide? There are actually over 300 thyme varieties and they all belong to the mint family. So how do you know which thyme is best to grow in your garden? Read our thyme guide below to find out!
How tall does a thyme plant grow?
Thyme plants should grow about 6-12 inches in height.
Can thyme be propagated from cuttings?
But not to worry, if those conditions don't pertain to your area, there's sure to be a thyme that's specific for your zone! All varieties of thyme are easily propagated vita cuttings, division and seed. Common Thyme: yellow and variegated foliage.
Is thyme hardy in the summer?
So whether you live in a tropical climate, or a cold climate, there's a thyme for everything! Most thyme varieties are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9, and they don't like hot, humid summer or overly wet conditions. Most varieties also prefer full sun and very well drained soil.
What are the three major types of thyme?
There are literally hundreds of varieties grouped into three major types: clumping, low creeping, and tall upright . Thyme is highly aromatic, with each type having a slightly different scent and bearing different shapes and colors of flowers and leaves. Advertisement.
How to identify thyme?
Check the stems and branches. English Thyme grows in large circular mounds with tiny lavender-colored flowers, making it one of the easiest to identify. The deep-green leaves are flat and do not curl. A fragrant herb used in cooking, it is excellent for flavoring stews and meat dishes. Put it in a pot and keep it in a handy spot on your windowsill. Turkish Thyme has small green leaves wrapped closely around the stem, which give the plant a compact, bushy form. An excellent container plant, Turkish Thyme grows upright with small, pink flowers that bloom in the spring.
What is the scent of thyme?
Thymes are distinguished by their various fragrant aromas. Green Lemon Thyme has a sweet lemony fragrance that makes it a popular choice for cooking fish and chicken dishes. Notice that creeping thymes do not spread via stolons the way mints do. These thymes have shallow roots that attach to the surface of the soil.
How tall does thyme grow?
The low-creeping types of thyme grow 4 to 6 inches high. They are often used as border plants or along stone walls. Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), a French variety, makes an excellent plant in rock gardens and is useful as a small hedge. It grows upright from 12 to 16 inches high and has medium-sized leaves that curl under.
What is Turkish thyme used for?
A fragrant herb used in cooking, it is excellent for flavoring stews and meat dishes. Put it in a pot and keep it in a handy spot on your windowsill. Turkish Thyme has small green leaves wrapped closely around the stem, which give the plant a compact, bushy form.
What is a thyme ruler?
Things You'll Need. Thyme. Ruler. Thyme is a hardy perennial that comes in many varieties. Thyme is related to the mint family of herbs. It is a favorite among herb gardeners for its fragrance, flavor and ornamental value. There are literally hundreds of varieties grouped into three major types: clumping, low creeping, and tall upright.
Is crimson thyme good for rock gardens?
Creeping varieties of thyme do not offer much in the way of fragrance or flavor, which limits their usefulness in the kitchen. They are, however, superbly suited for rock gardens and paving walkways. With its stunning reddish purple flowers, Crimson Thyme is the ideal plant for spilling over rocks.
How many thymes are there?
Here are seven thymes go grow. There are many varieties of thyme to choose from, with leaves ranging from dark. green to golden or variegated. In summer, they bear white, purple or. pink flowers.
What is the color of thyme in summer?
In summer, they bear white , purple or pink flowers, which are extremely popular with bees and butterflies. Thyme hails from the Mediterranean, so it prefers a well-drained soil in a sunny spot in the garden – in heavy soils the leaves will be less aromatic, with fewer flowers.
What is thymus caborn?
Thymus ‘Caborn Wine and Roses’. Thyme ‘Caborn Wine and Roses’. This relatively new cultivar was bred in the UK. A prostate, creeping type, it is low growing and spreads to around 40cm, making it a good choice for planting between paving stones or in a rockery.
What is silver queen thyme?
Thyme ‘Silver Queen’. Thymus ‘Silver Queen’ is compact and bushy, and can be grown as the edging to a path or in cracks in patios. Its dark green variegated leaves are held on crimson stems; it bears clusters of tiny pink flowers in summer.
What is Peter Davis' thyme?
Thyme ‘Peter Davis’. Thymus nitidus ‘Peter Davis’ is a low-growing, mat-forming thyme, bearing aromatic grey-green leaves and pink flowers in late spring. A good choice for a sunny rockery or raised bed.
What is the purple flower that grows in a carpet?
Thymus vulgaris , also known as common thyme or garden thyme, has striking purple flowers and grows into a spreading carpet. It’s ideal for filling in crevices in rock gardens and gaps in patios. The leaves have a strong aroma and are useful in stews, soups and with meat and fish dishes.
What is the flavor of thyme?
Thymol is the active ingredient and component of the essential oil that gives the herb its flavor. Neral and geranial give lemon thyme (T. x citriodorus) its citrus aroma. Lemon thyme cultivars include Silver King, Silver Queen, Doone Valley and Argenteus. Cultivars are available that evoke other citrus aromas, such as lime and orange. Cold-tolerant species include oregano-scented thyme (T. pulegioides), which gets its flavor from carvacrol; and caraway thyme (T. herba-barona), which receives its essence from carvone. The names "creeping thyme" and "mother-of-thyme" are often used interchangeably for the same plants.
What is thyme used for?
Use culinary thyme fresh or dried, as a garnish and to flavor vinegars, herbed butters, teas, meat dishes, salads and soups. Thyme is one of the ingredients in the herbes de Provence blend used in classical French cooking.
What is the best thyme to grow in Oregon?
Culinary thyme varieties with the best flavor are narrow-leaf French, broadleaf English, lemon thyme and mother-of-thyme, recommends Master Gardener Joyce Schillen of the Oregon State University Extension Service’s Jackson County office. The plants have the best flavor just before their flowers open.
What is the best herb to use for cold tolerant plants?
Cold-tolerant species include oregano-scented thyme (T. pulegioides), which gets its flavor from carvacrol; and caraway thyme (T. herba-barona), which receives its essence from carvone. The names "creeping thyme" and "mother-of-thyme" are often used interchangeably for the same plants. Culinary thyme varieties with the best flavor are narrow-leaf ...
What is the aroma of lemon thyme?
Neral and geranial give lemon thyme (T. x citriodorus) its citrus aroma. Lemon thyme cultivars include Silver King, Silver Queen, Doone Valley and Argenteus. Cultivars are available that evoke other citrus aromas, such as lime and orange.
What type of soil does thyme like?
Thyme tolerates poor so ils. While chalky soils are best, sandy soils and rocky soils are also good for the plants. Thyme will have trouble on clay soils because of its shallow roots and need for good drainage. Amend the soil to provide a pH range of approximately 6.3 to 6.8.
Why is thyme bad for clay soil?
Thyme will have trouble on clay soils because of its shallow roots and need for good drainage. Amend the soil to provide a pH range of approximately 6.3 to 6.8. Thyme benefits from a light fertilizer application once or twice yearly. Use an all-purpose or half-strength water-soluble fertilizer.
What is the difference between Mediterranean thyme and red thyme?
Mediterranean Creeping Thyme: This plant produces lots of deep pink flowers in big clusters. It spreads up to 18 inches, grows best in full sun, and attracts plenty of butterflies and bees. Red Creeping Thyme: Also referred to as coccineus, this thyme can be identified by magenta flowers.
How to reproduce creeping thyme?
Reproducing. Most creeping thyme plants are easily reproduced via division or propagation. Thyme is a carpeter, so it sends down more stems into the ground as it expands. Small chunks of it can be dug up and transplanted elsewhere, and those will usually continue expanding in their new home.
How to prevent weeds from growing on thyme?
To avoid any competition, put mulch around the base of the thyme plugs, leaving a bare area around the stem, three inches in diameter. Reapply mulch yearly as needed.
How to protect creeping thyme from winter?
You don’t need to prune it, but to protect it as much as possible you can cover it with sand or gravel over the winter. Make sure the area has good drainage and some kind of cover to preserve as much of the plant as possible for the following year. If these overwintering tactics are not working, you can always consider treating your thyme as an annual plant and replanting each year.
What zone does creeping thyme grow in?
Grows in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 9, although some varieties do better in warmer climates. Creeping thyme isn't just for replacing grass or filling in space in a walkway. It can be used in container gardens where it will eventually spill over the edges of the container.
What zone is thyme in Florida?
The northern parts are in USDA hardiness zone eight, while the southernmost part is in zone 11. Thyme is hardy up to zone nine.
Can creeping thyme be planted from seed?
Creeping thyme is available at many garden stores during the planting season. It will come as plugs or small potted cuttings. You can also purchase seeds. From personal experience and from hearing from other gardeners, growing ground cover from seed does not often produce the result you are looking for, so you may be better off going with plugs instead. However, some have been able to do it successfully.
