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Lemon Thyme

Thymus citriodorus

Citrus Thyme

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Lemon thyme looks just like regular thyme; that is until you crush a few of its leaves, breath in its sweet, lemony aroma and taste how terrific it goes with almost any dish. Grown for culinary and scented foliage purposes, this is a low growing evergreen shrub with small fragrant flowers ideal for ground cover or between pavers. It is cultivated not only as ornamental plants and culinary herbs but also for its medicinal qualities.

Planning

Difficulty

Easy

Flowering time

Summer

Fruiting time

Summer

Harvesting

Harvesting is best done picking fresh leaves during early morning hours or just before flowering as the best taste is guaranteed then.

Propagation

Seed

Sow in spring, surface sow or barely cover the seed. Germination can be erratic.

Division

Division in spring or autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.

Cuttings

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame.

Special features

Repels harmful insects

Repels deer & mosquito.

Drought resistant

Drought tolerant plant when established; suitable for xeriscaping.

Pot plant

Requires a light well-drained preferably calcareous soil in a sunny position.

Attracts birds

Insects attract various birds.

Indoor plant

Can be grown indoors in a pot/container given enough sunlight and well-drained soil.

Geography

Origin

Europe

Natural climate

Mediterranean

Environment

Light

Full Sun

Soil moisture

Moist

Soil type

Loam, Sand, Compost

Soil PH preference

Alkaline, Neutral

Frost hardiness

Hardy

Uses

Medicinal

Use of leaves and/or essential oils in antiseptics, asthma and respiratory aromatherapy, deodorants, and disinfectants.

Edible

Lemon thyme may be added to poultry, seafood, vegetable, marinades, stews, soups, sauces, teas & stuffing while fresh sprigs of this herb make a lovely garnish.