skip to main content

Gardening in New Zealand

Types of Thyme

15 years ago

I had a thriving border of common thyme but it has all died this winter. Does anyone have any idea what could cause this? The cold and wet? Old age? Disease?

At any rate I want to replace it, but there is a bewildering array of varieties in the garden shops. Can anyone recommend the best variety for Christchurch conditions? I only want it for culinary purposes. I have very sandy soil.

Thanks,

Brien

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

vetivert8
15 years ago
I like the more creeping varieties such as Pizza Thyme because I usually forget to clip back T vulgaris to keep it going with fresh shoots. It seems to be quite tasty, too.

I'm always happy to blame ALL my deaths on 'cold and wet'. Couldn't possibly be my erratic cultivation! Yet Christchurch has had a lot more rain than usual this year, so you're probably right.

If you contact your local herb society you could find varieties to suit your soil and climate. With spring sort of arriving herb societies tend to put on 'herb happenings' and you may be able to find suitable plants there. Or ask at your local Citizens Advice Bureau for a contact.
andy_sa
15 years ago
Whenever I've lost thyme - in both UK and Aussie climates - it's been due to not picking. Now if I don't use any for a while in the kitchen (rarely), I'll get the shears out and cut the whole patch back a few inches. Works wonders!
Related Discussions
Want all types of creeping thyme
Q
Comments (0)
I am looking for a ground cover to use on the walkways between my flower beds. I think I'd like to use many different kinds of creeping or very low growing thymes, such as caraway, orange, coconut, etc. I understand that they can handle foot traffic and smell great. I'm sure I could find something to trade for it. Thanks
...See More
wolly thyme looks dead, but is it?
Q
Comments (2)
IME, dry, brown-looking woolly thyme is dead woolly thyme :-) This should be fully evergreen (or ever gray) and is the least moisture tolerant of any of the creeping thymes - less than very sharp drainage in the area and a persistent snow cover could very well make it difficult for this plant to survive. There still may be life in the root system, which is why you may see some signs of new, green growth but the brown portions will not green up again. You should cut back any dead looking brown portions. But I would consider replacing the woolly thyme with a more winter and wet tolerant species.
...See More
Seperating dried thyme from it's stem
Q
Comments (5)
Once it's dry, you should be able to just lightly pull the leaves off. There's no need to grind the leaves, except maybe in a small mortar and pestle (or crumble in your fingers) just before using them. Most types of thyme have leaves that are similar in size and drying time.
...See More
Thyme
Q
Comments (8)
Hello. I've been growing creeping thyme and having pretty good luck with it. You can buy it on Amazon for about $10 for 1,000-10,000 seeds depending on the dealer. I got the standard pinkish thyme and the magic carpet red colored thyme. My method was to start them in starter cups and overseed each cup. I used MiracleGro Starting Mix soil and I sprinkled about 20 or so seeds into each cup. I put them outside in the sun during the day and brought them inside at night. About 50% germinated in 4-7 days, which is plenty. After a couple weeks I put them into 4" pots and a couple weeks after that I placed them outside. They were around 8" round tiny bushes. Only 2" high or so. They have since been expanding, or creeping as their name implies. Next year I hope to see them bloom. I may start more in late winter so they will be ready by spring. I still have a ton of seeds leftover to play around with.
...See More
coolclimate
15 years ago
Yeah, my flatmate told me the other day to plant my herb bed level with the lawn and line it with leveled bricks to maintain a boundary.
His reasoning was when he worked on a herb farm in israel (hes the original backpacker lol) his job was to mow the woody herbs so they would produce new shoots
if it thrives in cent otago than why not chch? :)

Related Stories

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 15 Ideas for a Stunning Garden Path

By Laura Gaskill

Let your imagination roam as you consider the many types of walkways possible in your garden

GARDENING GUIDES Essential Watering Tips for Your Edible Garden

By Marianne Lipanovich

To give your edible plants just what they need, check out these guidelines for how, when and how much to water

HERBS How to Grow Herbs Indoors

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Have a sunny window? Enjoy the flavor of fresh herbs year-round by growing them in the house

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Strawberries for All Seasons

By Paintbox Garden

An edible carpet? It's possible with a mass planting of this tough ground cover

GARDENING GUIDES Bathe Your Garden in a River of Color

Flowing curves made of ground covers, herbs and grasses to resemble a riverbed give landscapes movement and grace

EDIBLE GARDENS 8 Surefire Vegetables and Herbs for Beginning Gardeners

By Abundant City

Learn the edible plants that are popular and easy to grow in a backyard or container garden

GREEN BUILDING World of Design: The Joy of Moss and Its Modern Uses

By Annie Thornton

This great design plant is 400 million years in the making. See how it’s inspiring art, soothing spaces and building design

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Plants for Your Pathway

By Vanessa Brunner

Pretty up your garden walk with the right ground cover between pavers

EDIBLE GARDENS Herb Garden Essentials: Grow Your Own Oregano and Marjoram

By Marianne Lipanovich

Say 'buon giorno' to classic Italian herbs you can grow just as easily in pots as in the summer garden

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Pave the Way to Landscape Style With Flagstone

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Define a patio, build a path, make a fire pit ... learn about flagstone's many uses, plus costs and considerations, here

Sponsored

Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers

49 Reviews

Columbus Area's Luxury Design Build Firm | 17x Best of Houzz Winner!