How to grow Thyme in New Zealand
Thyme is a small, tough, aromatic herb for stocks, stuffings, roast vegetables and pizza, and it makes a tidy edging or ground cover. Give it full sun and free-draining soil, keep it on the dry side, and the flavour is strongest. There are many kinds, including common, lemon, silver and woolly thyme.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Thyme in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | August to May | |
| Auckland | August to May | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | August to May | |
| Central North Island | August to May | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | August to May | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | August to May | |
| Canterbury | August to May | |
| Otago & Southland | August to April | Plant Aug to Apr. Before that the ground is too cold, and later plantings do not root in before the hard frosts. |
| Central Otago | September to March | Plant Sep to Mar so roots establish before the hard frosts. |
Where to plant
Plant thyme in full sun, with at least six hours of bright sun a day, in free-draining soil. The flavour is strongest in a hot, dry position. It suits herb gardens, the edges of vegetable beds, rockeries, paving cracks and pots. On heavy clay, plant on a mound with gypsum, as wet soil causes root rot.
- Northland to Canterbury: plant most of the year, avoiding the coldest, wettest months in the south.
- Otago and Southland: plant from August to April. Before that the ground is too cold, and later plantings do not root in before the hard frosts.
- Central Otago: plant from September to March so roots establish before the hard frosts.
Choosing a variety
- Common or English thyme is the standard kitchen thyme.
- Lemon thyme has a citrus scent, and variegated forms are attractive in pots.
- Creeping and woolly thymes make a fragrant ground cover between pavers.
- Garden centres in New Zealand also sell silver and pizza thymes.
How to plant
- Sow seed in spring, barely covered, or buy plants.
- Thin seedlings or space plants about 25 to 30 cm apart.
- Set plants at the same depth they grew in the pot and water in.
- A light mulch of gravel or straw keeps the soil from crusting, but keep it clear of the stems.
Watering and feeding
Water young plants while they establish. After that thyme needs little water, and too much makes it soft, short lived and prone to rot.
Feed sparingly. A little compost in spring is enough; rich feeding dilutes the flavour.
Pruning and care through the year
- Pick regularly, which keeps the plant compact.
- Trim lightly after flowering to stop it going woody.
- After a couple of years, a tired, leggy plant can be rejuvenated with a firmer prune, but avoid cutting into bare old wood.
- Replace plants every few years, or root a few stems as replacements.
Harvesting
Snip sprigs as needed all year. For drying, cut stems just before the plant flowers, when the flavour is strongest, and hang them in an airy, shady place. Sprigs can also be wrapped and frozen.
Growing in pots
Thyme does well in a pot at least 30 cm wide and deep in full sun, in a free-draining container mix. Water when the mix is dry.
Propagation
Thyme roots readily from cuttings or layering. Pin a low stem to the soil, or take short tip cuttings in spring or summer, and pot them up once rooted. Older clumps can also be divided.
Companion planting
Thyme is a low edging plant whose flowers bring bees and hoverflies to the garden.
Good companions
- Cabbage A traditional pairing; thyme along the edge of a brassica bed brings in helpful insects.
- Strawberry A low herb that edges a strawberry bed without shading it.
- Borage Both draw bees to the vegetable garden.
Pests and diseases
Thyme has few pests. Wet soil and humidity cause most problems.
Thyme is rarely troubled by pests.
Diseases to watch for
- Root rot The plant browns and collapses in wet, heavy soil.
- Grey mould Grey fuzz and rotting stems in the centre of the plant in damp, humid weather. Improve drainage and air flow.
Common questions
Why is my thyme turning brown in the middle?
Usually wet roots or humid, still air in a dense plant. Thyme needs full sun and free-draining soil. Trim it to open it up, and do not overwater.
How do I stop thyme going woody?
Pick it often and trim lightly after flowering. Older plants naturally get woody, so replace them every few years, or root a few stems as replacements.
Can I grow thyme in a pot?
Yes. Use a pot at least 30 cm wide and deep with a free-draining mix, in full sun.
When is the best time to pick thyme for drying?
Just before it flowers, when the flavour is strongest. Cut stems on a dry day and hang them in an airy place out of the sun.
Can I grow thyme between pavers?
Yes. Creeping thymes are ideal for paving cracks and edges, as long as the spot is sunny and drains freely.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow thyme; Kings Plant Barn: Thyme grow well guide.