Thymus Vulgaris 'German Winter

Thyme

Zone 9a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Thymus Vulgaris 'German Winter

🌱 60d to harvest Upright

Breathe in the crisp, resinous perfume of Thymus vulgaris ‘German Winter’—a hardy thyme that carries a cool, evergreen intensity …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Jan 23rd
Last Frost	Mar 6th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Mar 20th
Harvest Begins	May 19th
Harvest Ends	Nov 26th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	7

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Thymus vulgaris (thyme), and how do I treat them at home?

Thyme often suffers from root/crown rot when the soil stays damp; symptoms include wilting and blackened stems near the base. Plant in well-draining soil, water only when the top 1–2 in (2–5 cm) is dry, and remove any badly diseased plants to protect the rest. Spider mites can also show up in hot, dry spells—rinse the foliage with a strong spray and keep watering consistent (not soggy) to reduce stress.

How often should I water Thymus vulgaris during the main growing phase?

During active growth (roughly the 2–8 weeks after establishment), water deeply only when the top 1–2 in (2–5 cm) of soil has dried. In full sun, this is often about every 5–10 days depending on heat and soil, but the correct trigger is dryness at the surface. Avoid frequent light watering—thyme prefers to dry slightly between waterings and will struggle in consistently wet soil.

How can I tell when Thymus vulgaris is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach about 6–8 in (15–20 cm) tall and the stems are sufficiently woody near the base, which is typically around 60 days from sowing under good conditions. For best flavor, take cuttings before flowering or when flower buds just begin to form, and harvest in the morning when the leaves are most fragrant. Plan to cut no more than about one-third of the plant at a time so it can regrow.

Breathe in the crisp, resinous perfume of Thymus vulgaris ‘German Winter’—a hardy thyme that carries a cool, evergreen intensity with a gently peppery, savory warmth. At maturity, its tiny leaves form a dense, velvety mat of deep green foliage, releasing aromatic oils readily for bold flavor in every garden moment. Ideal for drying and for seasoning blends, this dependable perennial is prized for its year-round presence and its ability to elevate sauces, roasted vegetables, and pickling brines with unmistakable thyme character.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 35°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

Start indoors for best uniformity, but this is a hardy thyme—harden well and give full sun plus sharply draining soil to prevent root rot.