Does thyme grow well indoors?
You can also grow thyme indoors, either in a pot (if you have a sunny window away from drafts) or in a hydroponic system like the Miracle-Gro® Twelve™ Indoor Growing System. Growing thyme indoors is relatively easy, but take note that they don’t do well in moist soil conditions. The roots are not accustomed to being too wet and will rot in boggy conditions. On the other hand, if the soil dries out completely, the roots will die back and the plant won’t recover.Thyme in water growing roots In small pots or containers, make holes deep enough for your thyme (use a thin stick or a dibber if preferred). Put one sprig of thyme per hole. Cover over with compost and water well. You may eventually like to put your thyme into an even bigger container.Key Points. Harvest thyme in spring or early summer, trimming soft tops and leaving green growth to regrow. Cut with clean shears, skip woody stems, and harvest regularly to boost flavor and shape.Thyme is a slow grower with shallow roots. You only need a container 6 inches deep and 12 inches in diameter to grow one nice plant. If you’d like to grow multiple varieties, plant them in a wider pot or raised bed and space them 12 inches apart. They’ll slowly grow together for a lovely thyme smorgasbord.
How to keep thyme plants alive indoors?
Growing thyme inside will require temperatures in the daytime around 60 F or more. Herb care for plants indoors is much the same as for those outdoors. Water completely each time but allow the pot to dry before watering again. Thyme plants are drought-tolerant and don’t need a lot of water. Depending on the environment, you can water your thyme plant every 10-15 days. You should allow the soil to dry between watering sessions.Thyme is drought tolerant and rarely needs watering, except when newly planted or when growing in containers in hot, dry weather. Too much water is more likely to be a problem – the roots will rot in damp conditions, especially in winter, so be sure to choose a planting spot with free-draining soil.The lifespan of thyme plants averages about 5-6 years. If you notice the plants are beginning to deteriorate, prune the existing plants back hard to rejuvenate them. Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.Stunted growth and yellowing leaves might be your soil crying out for help. Add some organic matter, ensure proper drainage, and test that soil to keep your thyme thriving.
Why is my indoor thyme dying?
Thyme is very sensitive to staying too wet, and while over-watering seems like it may not be possible with the hot dry weather, it is possible that oxygen depravation from staying damp caused some thyme roots to rot off, which in turn kills top growth. If the soil is more clay based and not well draining. Thyme is a drought-tolerant plant that needs little water. In fact, overwatering a thyme plant is a sure way to kill it, as soggy soil is an invitation to rot and diseases.Soil that is too rich or waterlogged will inhibit thyme’s growth. If you don’t have, or don’t want to cultivate, sandy loam soil, use a light touch with watering. Thyme grows best in dry dirt.Thyme is prone to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot, especially in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation around the plants, so don’t overcrowd them to help prevent these issues. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves.
How often should I water indoor thyme?
Thyme is an herb that can thrive with very little watering. You should only have to water this herb every 10–15 days. Thyme is also a plant that can thrive in colder months thanks to its hardy nature. Tip: thyme is a perennial herb, providing new growth for harvest each spring.Thyme: Thyme is a fragrant herb that can be grown in water. Cut a stem from the mother plant and remove the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the stem. Place the stem in a glass of water, and in a few weeks, roots will start to grow.Extend the life of fresh herbs by putting them in water. Herbs such as basil and mint grow quickly when placed in a container of water for a few weeks. Other herbs that work well in water are sage, oregano and thyme. When placed in water, they begin to produce roots and will grow new leaves.Starting from Cuttings: Take 3-4 inch cuttings from healthy plants, strip the lower leaves, and place them in a pot with a well-draining potting mix. Keep them moist and warm until roots develop. Direct Sowing: In warmer climates, you can direct sow thyme seeds outdoors after the last frost.Freeze Thyme Wash and dry the herb, then place it in ice cube trays and cover with water. Freeze until firm, and then transfer the frozen thyme to a resealable plastic bag for freezer storage.
How do you care for potted thyme?
Thyme is drought tolerant and rarely needs watering, except when newly planted or when growing in containers in hot, dry weather. Too much water is more likely to be a problem – the roots will rot in damp conditions, especially in winter, so be sure to choose a planting spot with free-draining soil. Growing thyme indoors is relatively easy, but take note that they don’t do well in moist soil conditions. The roots are not accustomed to being too wet and will rot in boggy conditions. On the other hand, if the soil dries out completely, the roots will die back and the plant won’t recover.In early spring, you may fertilize with organic matter, like compost, but not much soil amendment is necessary. Sun: Thyme needs a growing area with plenty of sunlight. Indoors, find a sunny window for your thyme. In the garden, intersperse among other drought-tolerant perennials in an area that receives full sun.The lifespan of thyme plants averages about 5-6 years. If you notice the plants are beginning to deteriorate, prune the existing plants back hard to rejuvenate them. Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.Growing thyme inside will require temperatures in the daytime around 60 F or more. Herb care for plants indoors is much the same as for those outdoors. Water completely each time but allow the pot to dry before watering again.Thyme grows best in full sun in soil with a pH of 7. Since it prefers slightly alkaline soil, add lime to the soil to raise the pH. Thyme also requires soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, so plant it in a sandy, dry soil.
How long do thyme plants live indoors?
Once grown, indoor thyme plants can be picked at any time, like outside plants. Cut the stems off whenever you need the herb for a dish. After three or four years, potted plants might become woody, at which point you should remove, divide, and transplant the smaller portions into separate pots with a fresh potting mix. Herb care for indoor plants is comparable to that for outdoor plants. Each time you water, water well, but allow the soil to dry before watering again. Every two weeks, fertilize thyme with a diluted solution of fish emulsion or liquid seaweed. Cut down the thyme plant’s woody stems to encourage new growth.