🌿 How to Grow Thyme from Seeds
Common Names:

• Hindi: अजवायन के पत्ते / थाइम

• Tamil: தைம் இலை

• Telugu: టైమ్ ఆకులు

• Malayalam: തൈം ഇലകൾ

• Kannada: ತೈಮ್ ಎಲೆಗಳು

• English: Thyme

• Botanical name: Thymus vulgaris

1. Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season perennial herb

• Best time to sow:

  • October to February in mild climates

  • Spring to early summer in cooler regions

• Ideal temperature: 20°C to 30°C

• Tolerates heat and drought once established

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Light, well-draining, sandy or loamy soil

• pH Level: Slightly alkaline to neutral (6.5–7.5)

• Mix in organic compost or a bit of sand to improve drainage

• Avoid rich or soggy soils

3. Sow the Seeds

• Depth: Barely cover — light sprinkling of soil (1–2 mm)

• Spacing:

  • Garden: 8–10 inches between plants, 12 inches between rows

  • Containers: Use shallow, wide pots (6–8 inches deep), scatter seeds thinly

• Thyme seeds are tiny — don’t bury deep

• Mist gently after sowing

4. Watering

• Water lightly and regularly until seeds germinate

• Once established, reduce watering — allow soil to dry between watering

• Water 1–2 times a week; thyme prefers dry conditions

5. Germination

• Germination takes 14–21 days

• Needs light and warmth — keep in a sunny spot

• Thin seedlings after 3–4 weeks, keeping strongest plants

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Requires 6–8 hours of sunlight daily

• Thrives in full sun, warm and dry conditions

• Can tolerate heat and poor soils once mature

7. Fertilization

• Minimal feeding required

• Use compost once a month or when growth is slow

• Over-fertilization can reduce essential oil content and flavor

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Whiteflies, aphids, root rot in wet soil

• Ensure good drainage and airflow

• Use neem oil + soap spray every 15 days if pests appear

• Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal issues

9. Harvesting

• Ready to harvest in 60–70 days

• Snip stems as needed — best before flowering

• Regular trimming promotes bushier growth

• Harvest in the morning for best aroma

10. Regrow Tip

• Regrows well after trimming

• Can be propagated from stem cuttings (4–6 inch cuttings)

• For seeds: let plant flower, dry flower heads, collect seeds from them

• Grows as a perennial in mild climates — can last 3–5 years

🥗 Health Benefits of Thyme

• Powerful antioxidant and antiseptic properties

• Supports respiratory health and relieves cough

• Boosts immunity and aids digestion

• Anti-bacterial and stress-relieving herb