PlantyBoxPot and soil
A 15-20 cm (6-8 in) terracotta pot, even a shallow one. Very free-draining mix: all-purpose compost with a third of grit or pumice and a drainage layer.
Light and position
Full sun, as many hours as possible. In shade it grows weakly and loses its aroma.
Watering
Sparingly: about every 5 days in summer, only when the soil is dry; almost nothing in winter. Never leave water in the saucer.
Feeding
Very little: a balanced feed once a month in spring and summer. Overfed thyme goes soft and less aromatic.
Harvest
Sprigs of 10-15 cm; strongest aroma before and during flowering.
How to harvestCut the soft sprigs, leaving at least 5 cm of plant.
Common problems
Waterlogging or an old plant. Let it dry out and, after 3-4 years, replace it with a cutting.
It needs pruning. Cut stems back by a third after flowering, never into old wood.
Too humid, too little air: move it somewhere airier and water less.
FAQ
How often should I water thyme in a pot?
About every 5 days in summer, only if the soil is dry deep down. Very little in winter.
When should I harvest thyme?
All year, a few sprigs at a time. It's most fragrant just before flowering, in late spring.
Can thyme survive the cold?
Yes, even a few degrees below freezing, as long as the soil is dry.
