edenhana

Thyme

A drought-tolerant perennial that prefers free-draining soil and thrives on neglect once established.

Sun
full sun
Water
low
Spacing
20cm
Harvest
Ready in 75-90 days
Difficulty
beginner
Grows in
Whangārei / Northland, Auckland, Hamilton / Waikato, Tauranga / Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Napier / Hawke's Bay, New Plymouth / Taranaki, Palmerston North / Manawatū-Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Tasman, Blenheim / Marlborough, West Coast, Christchurch / Canterbury, Dunedin / Otago, Invercargill / Southland
Expected yield
Continuous sprigs once established
Cost to grow
~$5 NZD
Grocery value
~$18 NZD
Companion plants
Cabbage family, Tomatoes, Strawberries
Plants to avoid nearby
Cucumber
Common diseases
Root rot in wet soil
Common pests
Aphids

When to plant by region

In Whangārei / Northland, Auckland, Tauranga / Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Napier / Hawke's Bay: March-April and September-October. In Hamilton / Waikato, New Plymouth / Taranaki, Palmerston North / Manawatū-Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson and Tasman: March and September-October. In Blenheim / Marlborough, West Coast, Christchurch / Canterbury, Dunedin / Otago and Invercargill / Southland: September-October.

Growing stages

  1. Germination & planting

    • Choose a full-sun position with free-draining soil to reduce the risk of root rot from wet feet
    • Water sparingly while young; thyme prefers to be kept on the dry side even at this stage

  2. Establishment

    • Aphids can appear on new growth but rarely cause lasting damage
    • Avoid rich soil or heavy feeding, as thyme thrives on neglect once established

  3. Ongoing growth & harvest75-90 days from planting, then continuous

    • Trim sprigs regularly to harvest and to stop plants becoming woody and sparse
    • Once established, thyme is drought-tolerant and needs little watering
    • Watch for root rot if drainage is poor, especially over wet winters

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