As a Mediterranean subshrub, lemon thyme tends to become woody over time and become bare from the inside. That doesn't have to be the case. If you supplement the regular harvest pruning with a shape and maintenance pruning, the aromatic herb plant will last for several years. Read how to do this here.
How to cut lemon thyme correctly?
Lemon thyme should be cut just before flowering in the mid-morning area, trimming all branches evenly with sharp scissors. In spring it receives a rejuvenation cut, in which all branches are cut off to a hand's width above the ground.
Topiary cutting and harvesting go hand in hand
Don't limit the cutting of lemon thyme exclusively to current needs, especially if the kitchen only calls for the herb plant sporadically. Shorten the subshrub evenly all around, while keeping the degree of woodiness under control. How to do it right:
- The best time is shortly before flowering begins during the morning hours
- Short all branches with sharp, disinfected scissors
- Make the cut so that a small piece of green tissue remains
If possible, avoid cutting into old, brown wood in the middle of the season because lemon thyme has a hard time growing out of it. If you notice dead shoots on this occasion, please cut them off at the base. The deeper the sun's rays penetrate into the bush, the more lush the leaves and flowers sprout.
Simply dry the surplus crop
Lemon thyme is one of the privileged herbal plants whose aroma intensifies when dried. If the yield of the branches exceeds the need for fresh produce, make small bouquets from them. When hung upside down in a dark place surrounded by air, the branches dry within a few weeks.
Rejuvenation cut in spring – This is how it works
At the end of the flowering period or before the start of winter, cut the branches back by a maximum of half. Then provide the partially hardy herb plant with a thick layer of leaves to protect it from frost and snow. Only when there is no longer any risk of ground frost in spring does the lemony subshrub receive its annual rejuvenation cut:
- Cut all branches to a hand's width above the ground
- Cut dead wood, stunted and frozen shoots at the base
Then give your Thymus x citriodorus new life with a portion of compost or liquid herb fertilizer.
Tip
Lemon thyme loves to be watered with hard water. On the other hand, avoid shocking your Mediterranean herb plant with ice-cold tap water. First place the watering can in the sun for some time before pouring the water onto the root disk.
