Thyme, like so many Mediterranean herbs, germinates in light. This means that you must not cover the fine seeds with soil, but only press them down.
How do I grow thyme from seeds?
To grow thyme from seeds, distribute the fine seeds evenly on moist seed soil without covering them. Press lightly, protect with a transparent cover and place in a warm, bright location. If shoots are visible, remove the cover and water regularly.
Choosing the right soil
The chances of plants germinating are even higher if they are sown in the right soil. Above all, it is important to ensure that the very fine thyme seeds have good contact with the soil. Special seed soil is very fine and therefore meets these requirements. It also stores moisture well and is low in nutrients - this is important because s alt in particular can damage seedlings.
Sowing thyme
- Fill a seed box (€17.00 on Amazon) with high-quality seed soil.
- Press the soil with a piece of wood (a board or similar) to about two centimeters below the top edge of the box.
- Water them with the help of a spray bottle and let them rest for about half an hour.
- Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the soil.
- Press them carefully using the board.
- Cover the box with glass or a transparent plastic.
- The cover must not touch the seeds.
- Place the box in a warm and bright location.
- If direct sunlight falls on the box, provide shade with a fine net.
Pay attention to hygiene
The moist conditions in the cultivation container are ideal for the development of fungal diseases as well as for the development of he althy plants. When seedlings are planted too close together, the so-called “damping-off disease” occurs, which is caused by airborne or soil fungi. To reduce this risk, be sure to use sterilized containers and tools. In addition to cleanliness, it is important to prick out the seedlings in a timely manner to avoid overcrowding in the planter.
Proper care of seedlings
Seedlings must have enough room to breathe. As soon as shoots are visible, remove the cover of the growing container. Protect the seedlings from drafts and direct sunlight, but leave them in a bright location. Keep watering them so the roots don't dry out. Additionally, seedlings should be thinned out as soon as they become visible. This is also known as pricking. Furthermore, seedlings should be carefully acclimated to the conditions outside the protected environment of the cultivation container. This works best in a cold frame.
Tips & Tricks
If you mix the fine thyme seeds with the same amount of fine sand before sowing, the seeds will be distributed more evenly.
