Large Thyme is an aromatic herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). It forms a dense carpet of fragrant light green leaves and produces numerous small reddish-purple flowers throughout the summer. The nectar-rich flowers attract large numbers of bees, bumblebees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinating insects.
The young leaves and flowering shoot tips can be used both fresh and dried. Large Thyme has a warm, aromatic flavour similar to common thyme, but slightly milder and more delicate. It is an excellent seasoning for stews, soups, sauces, pasta dishes, potato dishes, vegetables, marinades and herb butter. It also pairs beautifully with poultry, lamb, game, fish and grilled vegetables. The leaves are widely used to flavour oils, vinegars and herb salts.
Fresh or dried leaves can be brewed into a fragrant herbal tea. Traditionally, thyme tea has been enjoyed for its soothing effect on sore throats, coughs and colds. Because of its strong flavour, only a small amount is needed. The leaves retain their aroma well during cooking and are also excellent for drying. In cooler climates, Large Thyme is usually grown as an annual. Large Thyme flowers from June till August. Non hardy annual. Height: 25 - 30 cm.
Indoor sowing: March - April
Outdoor sowing: May - June
Germination: 10 - 15 days
Germination temp.: 18 - 20 °C
Sowing depth: ½ cm
Planting distance: 23 - 28 cm
Plant position: sunny
Harvest period: June (see text below)
Flowering period: June - August
Large Thyme can be started indoors from March through April in seed trays or modules filled with fine seed-starting compost. Sow the seeds thinly and cover them with approximately ½ cm of compost. Place the trays in a warm, bright location at a temperature of 18 - 20 °C. Thyme requires plenty of light during germination. Keep the compost evenly moist but never waterlogged. Under favourable conditions, the seeds germinate within 10 - 15 days. Once the seedlings have developed several true leaves, they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots. From mid-May onwards, once all danger of night frost has passed, gradually harden off the plants over the course of about one week by placing them outdoors for increasingly longer periods each day. They can then be planted outdoors at a spacing of 23 - 28 cm.
From mid-May through June, once there is no longer any risk of night frost, the seeds can be sown directly outdoors. Sow the seeds approximately ½ cm deep in a sunny location with well-drained, sandy, lime-rich soil. When sowing in rows, leave approximately 45 cm between the rows. Keep the soil slightly moist and free of weeds during germination. When the seedlings are about 5 - 7 cm tall, thin them to a spacing of 23 - 28 cm. This provides enough room for the plants to develop properly. Large Thyme grows best in a warm, sunny position with dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil. The plant is highly drought tolerant and prefers slightly dry conditions rather than excessive watering. Wet soil, especially during winter, should be avoided. Rich soil is unnecessary; in fact, the strongest aroma develops in poor, lime-rich soils. Fertilise only sparingly.
During the first growing season, it is recommended to harvest only once, allowing the plant to establish properly. From the second year onwards, the plant can be harvested twice each season: First harvest: June, just before or at the beginning of flowering. Second harvest: No later than the end of August, allowing sufficient time for recovery before winter. Always harvest young shoots and leave enough foliage for the plant to regrow. The leaves can be used fresh or dried.
Prune the plants back firmly immediately after flowering to prevent them from becoming woody and untidy. This keeps the plants compact and vigorous. When Large Thyme is grown as a ground cover, heavy pruning is usually unnecessary, as it naturally maintains a dense growth habit. The nectar-rich flowers attract large numbers of bees, bumblebees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinating insects. Large Thyme is therefore not only an excellent culinary herb but also a valuable addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.
