Thyme Thymus vulgaris
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family. It grows 20–40 cm (8–16 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Thyme in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Thyme at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, flowers |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇷 Greece |
Is Thyme toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Culinary thyme is generally regarded as non-toxic to pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Thyme
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Thyme
- How far apart should I plant Thyme?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Thyme need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Thyme need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Thyme?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Thyme flower?
- From about May for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Thyme poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Culinary thyme is generally regarded as non-toxic to pets.
- What grows well with Thyme?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Thyme. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare
- Thai basil Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora