How to grow Thyme in Australia
A Mediterranean herb for full sun and gritty, sharp draining soil. It hates wet roots, so water only when dry and never let it sit soggy.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 2 litres a week, watered every 4 days
- Spacing: 30 cm
- Time to harvest: 120 days
- Time to germinate: 21 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 8
- Frost tolerance: Frost hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to October | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to October | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to October | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | March to October | Frost-hardy perennial. Melbourne ideal. Extend window. Sow year-round in mild seasons. |
| Adelaide & SA | March to October | |
| Perth & WA | March to October | |
| Tasmania | March and April, September to November | Plant Sep to Nov or Mar to Apr. Fully hardy. Pick year-round. |
| Canberra & ACT | March to October | Thyme is hardy perennial; sow spring-autumn; thrives in Canberra's cold; excellent for culinary use year-round. |
| North Queensland | May to October | Dry season main window. Perennial shrub; established plants tolerate tropical conditions. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to October | Dry season main window. Perennial shrub; established plants tolerate tropical conditions. |
Companion planting
Good companions
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Cut sprigs any time once the plant is established, with strongest flavour before flowering. Snip soft stem tips and trimming keeps it compact and productive.
Storage
Fridge loosely wrapped, up to 2 weeks. Dry easily by hanging.