How To Grow Thyme Indoors – Growing Thyme From Seed Indoors – Grow Fresh Thyme In A Pot – Thyme Indoors During Winter – Can Thyme Be A Houseplant – Best Soil For Thyme In Pots
Welcome to this post about whether thyme will grow better indoors or outdoors. I can already reveal the answer, it will entirely depend on what type of environment the plant is living in. Inside it will grow steadily all year round with some more aggressive growth in the summer. But if you keep it outside all year round then it can form a much bigger root system but won’t grow any during the winter if you get snow where you live. Read down below about these topics more in-depth.
If you want to learn more about thyme and especially about growing it in different spaces and conditions, then read our guide here, How To Grow Thyme Indoors And Outdoors.
How To Grow Thyme Indoors
Thyme is a popular herb that is easy to grow indoors. To start, choose a sunny location, preferably near a south-facing window. Thyme requires at least six hours of sunlight each day, so make sure the spot you choose gets plenty of light.
Next, choose a container with good drainage. A pot made of clay or terracotta is a good choice because it allows excess water to evaporate. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix, and plant the thyme seedlings or cuttings about 8 to 10 inches apart.
Water the thyme regularly, but be careful not to overwater. Thyme prefers slightly dry soil, so allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. You can test the soil moisture by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Fertilize the thyme once a month with a balanced fertilizer. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to poor growth and weak plants.
Prune the thyme regularly to encourage bushier growth. Use a pair of scissors to trim the tips of the stems, making sure to leave at least two sets of leaves on each stem. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.
Harvest the thyme leaves as needed. You can harvest the leaves by pinching off individual leaves or by cutting entire stems. Thyme leaves can be used fresh or dried for later use.
With proper care, thyme can thrive indoors and provide you with fresh, fragrant leaves for cooking and seasoning.
How To Grow Thyme Froom Seed Indoors
Growing thyme from seed indoors is a great way to have fresh herbs on hand all year round. Here are the steps to grow thyme from seed indoors:
- Start by choosing a good quality seed-starting mix and filling a small container or tray with it.
- Sprinkle the thyme seeds on top of the soil, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and mist the soil with water until it’s moist but not waterlogged.
- Place the container in a warm, sunny location or under grow lights. Thyme seeds need a temperature between 60-70°F to germinate.
- Keep the soil moist by misting it regularly with water. Do not overwater the seedlings, as this can cause them to rot.
- Thyme seedlings should appear within 7-14 days. Once the seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, thin them out to about 6 inches apart.
- Continue to water the thyme seedlings as needed and provide them with 12-16 hours of light per day.
- When the seedlings have grown to about 4-6 inches tall, they can be transplanted into individual pots. Use a good-quality potting mix and make sure the pot has drainage holes.
- Water the newly transplanted thyme seedlings and continue to care for them as needed. Thyme prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate dry conditions, so be careful not to overwater them.
By following these steps, you should have healthy and thriving thyme plants in no time.
How To Grow Fresh Thyme In A Pot Indoors
To grow fresh thyme in a pot indoors, you’ll need to choose a container with good drainage and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Thyme prefers a slightly alkaline soil pH, so you may want to adjust your potting mix with some limestone or dolomite if needed.
Thyme requires at least 6 hours of bright, direct sunlight per day to thrive, so choose a sunny location for your pot. If you don’t have a spot that receives enough direct sunlight, you can supplement with a grow light.
Water your thyme regularly, but be careful not to overwater. Thyme prefers to dry out a bit between waterings, so wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering thoroughly.
You can fertilize your thyme plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for best results.
When harvesting thyme, use sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off the top 1/3 of the stem. This will encourage new growth and help keep the plant compact.
With proper care, your thyme plant should continue to grow and thrive indoors for several years.
How To Grow Thyme Indoors Winter
Growing thyme indoors during the winter is a great way to enjoy fresh herbs throughout the colder months. Here are some steps to help you successfully grow thyme indoors during the winter:
- Choose a sunny location: Thyme needs plenty of sunlight to grow, so choose a location near a south-facing window that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
- Use well-draining soil: Thyme prefers well-draining soil, so use a potting mix specifically designed for herbs or make your own by mixing equal parts of sand, perlite, and peat moss.
- Water properly: Water thyme thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering. Watering from the bottom of the pot can help prevent moisture from sitting on the leaves and causing rot.
- Provide proper humidity: Thyme prefers a moderate level of humidity, so misting the leaves with a spray bottle can help keep the plant healthy.
- Fertilize sparingly: Thyme doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer, but you can feed it once a month with a balanced fertilizer or with a diluted solution of fish emulsion or seaweed extract.
- Prune regularly: Pruning thyme regularly can help promote bushier growth and prevent legginess. You can use the pruned leaves for cooking or drying.
By following these tips, you can successfully grow thyme indoors during the winter and enjoy fresh herbs all year round.
Can Thyme Be A Houseplant
Thyme can be grown as a houseplant, making it a great choice for indoor gardening. To grow thyme indoors, you’ll need a pot that’s at least 6 inches in diameter with drainage holes. Fill the pot with well-draining soil, and plant the thyme in the center of the pot. Water the thyme thoroughly after planting, and place the pot in a sunny spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, by watering the thyme when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. You can also mist the thyme occasionally to increase humidity and prevent the leaves from drying out.
Thyme prefers cooler temperatures, so try to keep the plant in a room with temperatures ranging from 60 to 70°F (15 to 21°C). If your home is too dry, you can place a tray filled with water near the thyme to help increase the humidity.
Prune the thyme regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy. You can use the pruned leaves in cooking or dry them for later use. With proper care, your indoor thyme plant can last for several years.
Best Soil For Thyme In Pots
Thyme grows well in well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline with a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5. It’s best to use a light, porous potting mix that will allow excess water to drain away from the roots and prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. You can make your own soil mix by combining equal parts of perlite, coarse sand, and peat moss.
Another option is to use a pre-made potting mix labeled for herbs or vegetables. These usually contain a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite, which provides good drainage and aeration. You can also add some compost or aged manure to the potting mix to provide additional nutrients to the thyme plant.
It’s important to use a container with drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating in the bottom of the pot. A 6-8 inch diameter pot is suitable for growing thyme, and it’s best to choose a container that is at least 8-10 inches deep to allow the roots to grow properly. Make sure to place a saucer or tray under the pot to catch excess water and prevent water damage to your indoor surfaces.
