Thymus vulgaris.

Varieties

Broad-leaved Green, Narrow-leaved Green, Variegated, and Lemon-scented. The Variegated is grown almost solely on account of its ornamental foliage.

Soil And Situation

A poor, light, and dry soil, is best. In moist or rich soils, it becomes luxuriant, but deficient in its aromatic qualities, and generally perishes during the winter. The situation cannot be too open.

Propagation. By Seeds And Rooted Slips

Sowing may be performed from the middle of March until about the beginning of May, in drills half an inch deep, six inches apart, or as an edging to a bed or border. The seedlings must be kept clear of weeds, and if the season is dry, watered moderately twice a week. When of about six weeks' growth, or when three or four inches high, thin to six inches apart, unless grown as an edging, when they must be left thick. Those removed may be pricked out at a similar distance, if required; water occasionally until they have taken root. The plants may be left in the situations they are placed in at this season, or be finally planted out in September or October, or in the early spring of the following year. To obtain slips, some old stools may be divided into as many rooted portions as possible, or layers may be obtained by loosening the soil around them, and pegging the lateral shoots beneath the surface. They must be planted out at distances similar to those raised from seed, water and weeding being similarly required.

In autumn the decayed stalks should be cleared away, and a little fresh earth scattered and turned in among the stools.

Although it is perennial, yet after three or four years, thyme becomes stunted and unproductive, consequently requiring to be raised periodically from seed.

By Slips

These may be planted from the beginning of February until the close of May.

To Obtain Seed

Some plants should be allowed to run up without being gathered from, in early summer. The seed is ripe during July, and must be cut immediately it is so, and laid on a cloth to dry, otherwise the first rain will wash it out of the seed-vessels.