In the home garden, aromatic lemon thyme has long been on a par with other popular herbal plants. The Mediterranean subshrub owes this steep career not only to its unique taste, but also to its undemanding nature. You can find out how minimalist the care program is structured here.
How do you properly care for lemon thyme?
Lemon thyme requires little care: water in dry conditions, fertilize occasionally, cut several times a year and protect from temporary frost. Also store in the pot frost-free in winter. Avoid waterlogging and promote bushy growth through regular pruning.
How do I water lemon thyme correctly?
If the herb plant thrives in the bed, the water supply is limited to watering when it is dry. As a rule, the natural rainfall covers the small amount of moisture required. The substrate should only be kept slightly moist immediately after planting.
Does lemon thyme need to be fertilized?
Nutritional intake is not absolutely necessary. In sandy, lean soil, we recommend incorporating a 2 cm thick layer of compost in April and June. Liquid herb or vegetable fertilizer is suitable for pot cultivation and should be administered according to the manufacturer's instructions.
How do I cut the herb plant?
Since lemon thyme thrives as a subshrub, the plant constantly strives to become woody from below. Since aromatic leaves hardly sprout on woody shoots, stop the process with these pruning measures:
- When harvesting, cut the entire subshrub back to just before the woody part
- After flowering or shortly before the first frost, shorten all branches by a third
- In April/May, cut the plant to a hand's width above the ground
To promote dense, bushy growth, thin out a lemon thyme thoroughly each time you prune it.
Is lemon thyme hardy?
As gardening practice has shown, thyme hybrids are only partially hardy. The green-leaved varieties can tolerate temperatures of up to -15 degrees Celsius for a short time. Variegated lemon thyme, on the other hand, performs well in milder frosts. Therefore, cut the plant back by a maximum of a third in autumn and spread a thick layer of leaves or coniferous twigs over it. Carry the plant in the pot into a bright, frost-free winter quarters.
Tip
If you prevent lignification with regular topiary trimming, excess clippings are far too good to dispose of in the compost. Simply bundle the branches into small bouquets and hang them upside down to dry. It's quicker in the oven at 50 degrees fan or conveniently in the dehydrator.
