When to prune thyme so that it grows back faster?

Thyme is a perennial culinary herb that benefits from light, regular pruning. The aim is to keep it compact and encourage young shoots, not to cut it back severely each year.

Growing thyme in the garden

Plant thyme in a sunny position with freely draining soil. It also grows well in a container with drainage holes. Established plants tolerate dry conditions better than constantly wet roots; check young plants and pots more often.

Common thyme and creeping wild thyme have different growth habits. Choose the species and variety for the space available and the way you want to use it.

When and how to prune thyme

Trim lightly after flowering to keep shrubby thyme compact. Remove dead or damaged shoots when growth resumes in spring. Stay within leafy growth and avoid cutting deeply into bare old wood, which may not produce new shoots.

Use clean scissors or secateurs and take a little from several shoots rather than leaving large bare patches. Low-growing creeping thyme usually needs only a light tidy after flowering. Regular small harvests also help maintain its shape.

Harvesting and storing thyme

Pick healthy sprigs as needed, leaving enough foliage for the plant to keep growing. Young spring and summer shoots are useful for seasoning soups, sauces and bouquets garnis. Reduce picking when growth is slow.

For storage, dry small bunches in a dry, airy place away from direct sunlight. If you wash them, let surface moisture dry first. Once completely dry, store the leaves or sprigs in a clean, airtight container away from light. Do not seal damp herbs in a jar.