Sandthymian

Requires a light well-drained preferably calcareous soil in a sunny position. Succeeds in dry soils. Grows well between stepping stones on paths, tolerating light treading. Succeeds on walls. Thymes dislike wet conditions, especially in the winter. A layer of gravel on the soil around them will help protect the foliage from wet soils. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. This is a very difficult genus taxonomically, the species hybridize freely with each other and often intergrade into each other. This species is harvested commercially for its essential oil, known as 'wild thyme'. Closely related to T. praecox arcticus, but this species is not so common in Britain. It is a very polymorphic plant. A good companion for most other plants, it makes a very good carpeting plant for the rockery or between paving stones and can also be grown in a short lawn. The flowers are rich in nectar and are very attractive to honey bees, the plant also attracts butterflies. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Edible, Fragrant foliage, Not North American native, Suitable for dried flowers. Heat Zone 9-1. Thyme is typically harvested in late spring to early summer, just before the plant flowers for the best flavor. Thyme usually flowers in late spring to early summer, generally from June to August (Northern Hemisphere). Thyme is considered a slow to moderate grower, reaching maturity in about 1 to 2 years under optimal conditions.

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Tea Leaves - raw in salads or added as a flavouring to cooked foods. Thyme retains its flavour well in long slow cooking. If the leaves are to be dried, the plants should be harvested in early and late summer just before the flowers open and the leaves should be dried quickly. An aromatic tea is made from the leaves.

Deodorant Disinfectant Disinfectant Essential Fungicide Repellent Agroforestry uses: Thyme can be used as a ground cover and is beneficial for attracting pollinators. Its aromatic properties may also repel certain pests, making it a useful companion plant in gardens. Landscape Uses:Container, Ground cover, Rock garden, Seashore. An essential oil from the leaves and flowering tops is used in perfumery, soaps, medicinally etc. It has fungicidal and disinfectant properties. About 150 grams of oil are obtained from 100 kilos of plant material. The dried flowers are used to repel moths from clothing. The growing plant is said to repel cabbage root fly. A good ground cover for a sunny position. It needs weeding for the first year or so. Plants are best spaced about 45cm apart each way. Plants are only satisfactory when young or growing luxuriantly - they are apt to become bare in patches otherwise. Summer flowers bring bees. Perennial groundcover for zone 2 firebreaks. The US government has created a system of firebreaks for areas prone to wildfires, theses are separated into concentric zones surrounding buildings. Zone 2 is the second away from the house. These low-level groundcovers provide little fuel. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Yes – Thyme flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, making them attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. 2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): Yes – While thyme does not produce significant fruit, its leaves are edible for many herbivores and insects. The dense foliage can also provide shelter for small wildlife. 3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): Yes – Thyme can offer shelter for beneficial insects, and its groundcover can protect invertebrates during the winter months. 4. Pest Confuser (Smell): Yes – The strong aroma of thyme can confuse or repel pests, making it a beneficial companion plant in gardens.

Heimisch: Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Central European Russia, Czechia-Slovakia, DK, Denmark, East European Russia, FI, Finland, Flanders, Flemish Region, France, GL, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, NO, Netherlands, North European Russia, Northwest European Russia, Norway, Poland, Romania, SE, Sweden, Ukraine, Vermont-US, West Siberia Eingeführt: IN