Thymus 'Thyme of Provence'
thyme
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- Seed Packets (only) £2.95
This herb dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average
- Flowering: May to July
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
‘Thyme de Provence’ is a popular culinary herb prized for its distinct spicy flavour. This bushy, dwarf perennial has tiny soft grey-green leaves and pale pink summer flowers, and is a key ingredient in Herbes de Provence and Bouquet Garni. Compared to common thyme, this variety has a more robust, complex flavour, and the narrow delicate leaves retain their aromatic oils well for seasoning savoury dishes. As an edible ornamental, this wonderfully versatile plant makes a pretty, low-maintenance addition to herb gardens and containers, loved by bees and other pollinators.
Keep plants well trimmed to allow the new growth (which has the best flavour) to come through.
Surface-sow in pots or trays filled with barely moist seed compost and cover with a sprinkling of finely sieved compost. Place in a propagator at 15-20C until germination, which usually takes up to 24 days. Pot on when large enough to handle and harden off before planting at 25cm intervals outside in late spring or early summer.