I must mention that most members of the mint family will become quite invasive if left to their own devices. Mint, oregano, pennyroyal and even thyme will spread through underground runners and can quickly take over the garden. They can be hard to remove as small bits of roots left behind can grow into full plants.
What should not be planted with thyme?
Although a variety of herbs (and even flowers, like marigolds and nasturtiums) can often be planted together, certain kinds like parsley, cilantro, tarragon, basil and chives prefer a more moist soil, and should not be planted directly with thyme.
Are thyme roots deep?
Parsley and basil in particular have deep roots and do better in containers at least 18 inches deep. Oregano, tarragon, and thyme have root systems that are six inches long. Cilantro and summer savory have eight-inch roots, and rosemary needs 12 inches for its root system.
What are the most invasive herbs?
Invasive Herbs
- Butterbur. (Petasites hybridus)
- Garlic Mustard. (Alliaria petiolata)
- Giant Hogweed. (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
- Himalayan Balsam. (Impatiens glandulifera)
- Japanese Chaff Flower. (Achyranthes japonica)
- Purple Loosestrife. (Lythrum salicaria)
- Spotted Knapweed. (Centaurea stoebe)
- Wild Parsnip. (Pastinaca sativa)
What can I plant next to thyme?
Some suggestions for thyme companion herbs include:
- Rosemary.
- Marjoram.
- Oregano.
- Parsley.
- Sage.
- Lavender.
- Dill.
- Bay.
Does thyme spread easily?
They will cover up stepping stones, spreading their stems onto paving searching for ground to root in. Slower growing thymes are more appropriate for small spaces like those between flagstones. Just like all plants, thyme plants spread by growing from one set of leaves to the next.
Can rosemary and thyme be planted together?
What goes together, grows together. Rosemary and thyme make for lovely herb companions, with thyme giving more benefits than it receives. Thyme is a cabbage worm deterrent, and rosemary is an insect repellent; with these two herbs planted together, they are sure to protect your garden from many pests.
How does thyme spread?
Creeping Thyme Varieties
The larger stem segments also provide more rooting space when they touch the soil; the segment roots at this soil connection point to spread the plant even further. This spreading action makes creeping thyme perfect for infrequent foot traffic in a garden or decorating an outdoor wall.
Does thyme come back every year?
A majority of herbs are perennials throughout most of the United States. That means they come back year after year and usually get bigger or spread in territory each year. Some of our most-used cooking herbs are perennials, including sage, oregano and thyme.
How do you cut thyme so it keeps growing?
In late fall, after the first frost, select one-third of the oldest and woodiest stems on your thyme plant. Using sharp, clean shears, cut these stems back by half. Repeat the process the next year until your thyme plant has returned to growing younger, more tender stems all over the plant.
Will thyme take over my garden?
Mint, oregano, pennyroyal and even thyme will spread through underground runners and can quickly take over the garden. They can be hard to remove as small bits of roots left behind can grow into full plants.
Is French thyme invasive?
Thyme can be easily propagated by getting healthy and mature stems, cuttings or divisions from a mature, healthy and well established plant. Read more. Choosing the right spot for planting our thymes is important, as it is a highly invasive plant that can extend to unwanted parts of our property.
Is rosemary an invasive plant?
Summary of Invasiveness
R. officinalis is listed in the Global Compendium of Weeds (Randall, 2012) as “casual alien, cultivation escape, garden thug, naturalised, weed” and is reported to be invasive to Cuba (Oviedo-Prieto et al., 2012).
Will creeping thyme choke out other plants?
Creeping Thyme
Creeping Thyme spreads by sending runners underground that choke out other plants, including weeds. It has a maximum growth height of about four inches, which is considered the ideal height for lawns, and beautiful pink, purple or blue flowers.
How often should I water thyme?
Thyme is an herb that can thrive with very little watering. You should only have to water this herb every 10–15 days. Thyme is also a plant that can thrive in colder months thanks to its hardy nature.
What herbs should you not plant next to each other?
Which herbs do not go together?
| Herb | Not compatible with |
|---|---|
| Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) | Basil (Ocimum basilicum) |
| Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) | Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), dill (Anethum graveolens), cress (Lepidium sativum), marjoram (Origanum majorana), caraway (Carum carvi) |
Does thyme grow back after cutting?
Thyme grows back after cutting, and often grows back fuller and stronger. To make sure your plant bounces back, remove only the softest, greenest stems from the plant when harvesting. Never cut past the woody part of the stem. This is the place where new growth occurs.
How long does thyme plant last?
Thyme is a perennial herb that often only lives for 5 or 6 years even with good care. After 3 years thyme plants growth tends to slow down and produce less leaves with a weak aroma and inferior flavour compared to younger thyme plants.
Is thyme a good ground cover?
Thymes are versatile, colorful, and fragrant plants, offering masses of delicate, starlike flowers. Tuck a thyme into a dry wall, stone walkway, or rock garden. Use it as a ground cover or as an edging for a perennial border. These hardy little plants add swaths of color and fragrance in unexpected places.
Should I let thyme flower?
Thyme’s tiny flowers are pretty and white. Though you can pinch the flowers off to allow the plant to produce more leaves, the flavor of thyme really isn’t compromised by letting the plant bloom.
Does thyme need full sun?
Thyme needs a warm, sunny position. The more sun it receives, the stronger the flavours. It is fairly drought tolerant and needs a well-drained, preferably alkaline, soil. It will grow well in fairly poor, even stony, soil.