Common Thyme, Heirloom Herb Seeds

Common Thyme, Heirloom Herb Seeds — The Mediterranean Perennial With the Highest Essential Oils, Lives Up to 20 Years

Common Thyme is the official culinary thyme — a woody perennial bush native to the Mediterranean and especially Greece, producing perfect mound-shaped plants that can live up to 20 years. This cultivar is the highest in active essential oils of all thyme varieties, making it the most flavorful and medicinally potent choice for the herb garden. An indispensable kitchen herb, thyme is excellent in meat dishes, egg dishes, and vegetarian entrées, and makes a soothing, aromatic tea. Also known as Garden Thyme or English Thyme. 75 days to first harvest.

Why Grow Common Thyme?

• Highest active essential oils — the most flavorful and potent thyme variety
• Long-lived perennial — mound-shaped plants live up to 20 years
• Mediterranean heritage — native to Greece, centuries of culinary and medicinal use
• Versatile in the kitchen — meats, eggs, vegetarian dishes, and herbal tea
• Drought-tolerant once established — low-maintenance perennial herb
• Open-pollinated heirloom — save seed year after year

Growing Notes

Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost. Surface sow — seeds need light to germinate. Transplant outdoors after frost danger has passed, spacing plants 12–18 inches apart in full sun with well-draining soil. Thyme prefers lean, dry conditions — avoid overwatering and rich soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Trim lightly after flowering to maintain compact mound shape. Harvest stems as needed throughout the season.

Days to first harvest: 75 days
Plant lifespan: Up to 20 years
Plant form: Mound-shaped woody perennial
Essential oils: Highest of all thyme varieties
Also known as: Garden Thyme, English Thyme
Type: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated, Non-GMO, Perennial
Spacing: 12–18 inches
Sun: Full sun
USDA Zones: 4–8