Thyme French – MIg

Description

French Thyme is a classic heirloom herb prized for its small, aromatic green leaves and rich, earthy flavor with subtle floral notes. It is one of the most versatile culinary herbs, widely used to season meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, soups, sauces, breads, and Mediterranean dishes. This hardy perennial is also valued for attracting bees and other beneficial pollinators while thriving in warm, sunny conditions. It performs exceptionally well during the UAE’s cooler growing season.

When to Plant in the UAE

• Indoors: Start seeds indoors in August.
• Outdoors: Transplant seedlings or direct sow from October through December, when temperatures are mild.

Planting & Care Tips

• Light & Soil: Plant in full sun in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
• Depth & Germination: Sow seeds 0.2–0.5 cm deep. Germination typically occurs within 10–21 days.
• Spacing: Space plants 25–30 cm apart, with 40–50 cm between rows.
• Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist during germination and establishment. Once established, water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Feeding: Mix compost into the soil before planting. Thyme requires very little fertilizer and grows best in moderately fertile soil.
• Harvest: Begin harvesting stems approximately 70–90 days after planting. Regular harvesting encourages compact, bushy growth.
• Harvesting Tips: Cut stems just above a leaf node using clean scissors. Harvest in the morning after the dew has dried for the best flavor and essential oil content.