Thyme

Scientific Classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Order:	Lamiales
Family:	Lamiaceae
Genus:	Thymus

Thyme is also known as thymus. It is a perennial herb that has medicinal and culinary uses. It is also used as an ornamental plant. The Thyme plant has antiseptic, anti-fungal, antispasmodic, and anti-parasitic properties. Its fragrance is appealing and is used to add flavor to many food dishes. In the year 1997, the Thyme herb was chosen as the HERB of the Year by the International Herbs Association.  Thyme is a lovely and versatile plant for growing in an herb garden or a general garden. It attracts bees, butterflies, and birds. The Thyme plant grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches. Bees collect nectar from this plant and produce honey of high quality. Home gardeners grow this plant as a landscape plant. Thyme has preservative properties. So it has long been used for preserving meats and for medicinal uses also. This plant grows well in tough and dry conditions. It is a highly aromatic herb and grows well in sunny conditions.

History

The ancient people of Egypt used the thyme plant for embalming. The ancient Greeks believed upon thyme as a source of courage. They used in as an incense stick by burning it and also used in their bath. In the middle ages, in Europe, this herb was placed under the pillows to ward off nightmares and support a peaceful sleep. In funerals, thyme was used in coffins as incense. It was supposed to comfort the passage into the next life. In 65 BC to 8 BC, according to the writings of Horace, the Romans grew this crop to propagate bee culture. Its name Thyme derives from the French botanist, Tournefort (1656 to 1708). According to another history, the word “Thymus “or “Thyme” was, derived from the Egyptian word “tham”. It means strong smelling because, of its strong fragrance.  As a result, before knights went to battle, coils were given to them.

Anatomy

Thyme is a small shrub plant. It has many quadrangular woody stems. The stems are finely covered with hair. Its leaves are opposite and are ¼ to ½ inches long. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate and are slightly rolled at the edges and hairy underside. The flowers of the Thyme plants are bluish purple to pink in color and are two lipped and in a tabular form. The flowers are ¼ inches long and arranged in lethal clusters. The fruit of the plant contains four small seeds like nut-lets. Its flowers bloom in the month of June or July.

Habitat

The Thyme plant is native to the Mediterranean region. It was introduced in England by the Romans. Now, it grows wild there. It is also grown in Northern Africa. This creeping plant can be seen in cultivated beds, or as a border plant on walls or as a ground cover, as it is quite hardy. Thyme is one of the essential herbs used in French and Italian cuisine. This plant has an erect growth habit. It originates from the Mediterranean region.

Soil for Planting

This plant requires well drained soil. It prefers light, loamy soil. It is a very hardy plant and will grow under many conditions. The Thyme plant will grow in a PH range of 6.5 to 8.5. This plant also grows well in poor to fertile soil. Sandy dry soil is ideal for the plant. Organic compost is also ideal.

Planting

Thyme plant is easy to grow from a division. It also grows from the seeds. Seeds of thyme plant should be sown in the spring season in cold frames. Seeds are hard to germinate and can take a long time to sprout. It can also grow in a greenhouse in the autumn. It grows well in summer season.

Watering

The Thyme plant requires watering regularly. It requires fewer nutrients. It requires full sunlight. Watering should be done at the top 1 inch of the soil to dry out between watering.  It cannot survive in severe cold.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant requires an average room temperature of 60 to 75 degree C. The plants which grow inside the home require high humidity and air circulation. This plant grows well in warm and sunny climate. Outdoors, it grows well at the temperatures between 4 and 28 degree C. It grows best at temperatures of 16 degree C. Thyme plant prefers full sunlight to partial shade.

Flowering and Maturing Care

Thyme plant requires care and maintenance from weeds. Control of weeds is essential.  Mulching is also ideal for the plant. If the quality of soil is poor, then it requires a little fertilizer. In the winter months, it needs care to survive in the cold. In early spring season, pruning is ideal for the plant to prevent the plant from getting woody.

Harvest

Harvesting of thyme plant is done in the midsummer season, just previous to flowering. Once it establishes, it is very hard to over harvest the plant. Harvesting is done by cutting 1 ½ to 2 inches from the ground.

Pests and Pesticides

Many pests and diseases can cause damage to the thyme plant. Alternaria Blight Pests attack  the plant and can cause holes in the leaves of the plant. Round, small and yellow, black or brown colored spots appear on lower leaves. The Thyme plant is liable to Rhizoctonia and Botrytis Rot diseases. Pests such as Spider Mites and Aphids can also cause damage to the plant. Molds and Rots are also a problem for the plant in damp and humid conditions.

Uses

The Thyme plant has many uses such as culinary, medicinal, cosmetics, Aromatic and decorative. The Thyme herb is used as antiseptic. It is used in the flavoring of Herbal Butter, Vinegars, Tea, Soups, Stews, Stuffing, Fish, Bread, Poultry, Mayonnaise, Broccoli and Mushrooms. Its dried and fresh form is used in salads. It has many medicinal qualities. The leaves of the thyme plant are used in the making of herbal tea. Thyme is used to cure skin problems and to treat indigestion and sore throat. Tea of the thyme herb is very useful in preventing acne and reducing oiliness. This herb helps in boosting the immune function of the body and to fight against infection. It is also helpful in respiratory problems such as bronchitis, whooping cough and emphysema.  Inhaling the vapors of thyme herb can loosen congestion. Essential oil of the Thyme is obtained from its leaves. It is very useful, and is used in making soaps, perfumes, medicines, mouthwashes and toothpastes. Because of its fungicidal properties, it is used to prevent mildew. The dried flowers of this plant are used in the stored clothing to repel moths.