Thyme

[Big John]

Hi all

Can anyone tell me the best way to grow Thyme. I tried to grow common Thyme from seed in a pot last year but nothing came up and this year I have tried Old English from seed by sowing direct in a sunny but well sheltered spot in the garden but nothng has come up. Is it a favourite of slugs? I live south of the south downs so it is very chalky soil - but there is about 10ft of top soil before I get to it (I live at the base of a valley).

Many thanks in advance

[Paulottie]

I find it difficult to germinate too.

[borage]

Mine have germinated quickly, the problem I have is keeping them going in pots. Have just started to harden them off.

P.S.

[kirsty b]

Mine has done ok so far. Lost a few when the weather was hot because I couldn't keep up with the watering and the littlest plants couldn't handle it.
Had no trouble germinating, and now have 8 little plants growing on.

[Earthbabe]

I've never had a problem, I've currently got about 30 plantlets on my patio. I started them off in a propagator inside this year and they were fine. Last year I sowed the seed in a tray in the growhouse. I don't know what the secret is though. I am also able to grow lavender from seed quite happily and for a challenge I'm trying tea tree and white sage. I've just used ordinary thyme seed, nothing special. Unwins I think or AT.

[Big John]

Thanks for all your relpies. I have just bought a new packet of seed and sown a few in different pots in the greenhouse. Does anyone know if you can take cuttings from established plants? If so are there any special rules I need to know?
Earthbabe - what type of soil are you using?

[Paulottie]

I think my seeds were suspect as i have tried 5/6 times over three years! Am i too late for another go with fresh seed now?

[Earthbabe]

Thanks for all your relpies. I have just bought a new packet of seed and sown a few in different pots in the greenhouse. Does anyone know if you can take cuttings from established plants? If so are there any special rules I need to know?
Earthbabe - what type of soil are you using?

Hi Big John

1 - you can take cuttings, they will root in water. You can probably get away with taking some now, about 2-3 inches long, strip some of the lower leaves and put in sowing and cutting compost (although I use peat free multi for everything ) You can try rooting powder if you want - I generally don't bother.

2 - I am using a peat free multipurpose compost (Westland with added John Innes) at the moment although I generally prefer a coir based product but none of the GCs around here stock one anymore.