description
Thymus vulgaris or thyme is a species of flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae.

This woody evergreen subshrub is familiar to herb gardens. It is a bushy plant that grows up to a foot tall and 16 inches wide. Its small grey-green leaves are highly aromatic, and in early summer it presents clusters of purple or pink flowers.

common names & nomenclature
The plant's common name thyme is taken from Old French thym, tym (13c.), from Latin thymum, from Greek thymon, possibly from thyein meaning "burn as a sacrifice". If so this would indicate the plant was used as an incense.

Also known as:
common thyme, garden thyme, thyme

Thymus vulgaris is native to southern Europe from the western Mediterranean to southern Italy.

climate
Thyme grows on dry slopes, rocks, rock walls, and in cultivated gardens in a sunny location.

soil
Thyme is often found on clay or limestone soils. It succeeds in dry soils, poor soils and tolerates drought once it is established. Plants can be grown on old walls.

growing
This hardy herb can be propagated from either seed, cuttings, and/or root divisions. For best results, sow seeds indoors keeping the temperature around 70°F for germination. For propagation via cuttings, place snipped stem pieces with new growth in wet sand. In two weeks roots should appear. Root division works best in the spring. Be sure to uproot a plant carefully to preserve as much of its root oil as possible. Divide the root system—in half or thirds—and replant the divisions a foot apart in moist soil.

harvesting
Leaves and flowers may be harvested just before the plants flower, dry for later use.

preserving
Store dried thyme and powdered thyme in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.