BEST TO PLANT INDOORS

Sow thyme in early spring in a container of seed starting mix. Cover seeds very lightly and keep evenly moist but not soggy until seedlings emerge in 14 to 21 days. Provide a good light source. Transplant when seedlings are about 2 inches tall after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.

TO START IN THE GARDEN

Plant thyme after soil has warmed up in spring in a finely textured seed bed with good drainage in full sun. Sow very thinly, cover seed lightly and be careful to keep the seed bed evenly moist and well weeded while seedlings are young.

GROWING NOTES

Given a sunny location with good drainage, easy-growing thyme plants are reliable productive and long-lived garden perennials. Little lilac flowers bloom in midsummer; cut back foliage halfway when the blossoms fade to keep plants looking fresh. Cut leafy thyme sprigs as needed once plants are well established.