The Best 20 Varieties of Thyme to Grow: Tips, Facts, and Information
Thyme is one of the most reliable, aromatic, and versatile herbs you can grow. Valued for its strong flavour, evergreen habit, and low-maintenance nature, thyme thrives in UK gardens, containers, raised beds, and even between paving stones. It is drought tolerant once established, attractive to pollinators, and useful in the kitchen all year round.
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With many different forms available—culinary, ornamental, creeping, lemon-scented, and silver-leaved—thyme offers far more variety than most gardeners realise. Choosing the right types allows you to grow thyme for cooking, ground cover, edging, or decorative planting.
This guide explores the best 20 varieties of thyme to grow, along with practical tips, key facts, and growing information to help you choose the right thyme for your garden.
⭐ Recommended Products for Growing Thyme Successfully
Thyme prefers free-draining conditions, regular harvesting, and minimal disturbance. The following products help create the ideal environment for healthy, long-lived plants.
• Herb Pots, Terracotta Containers, or Raised Beds
Thyme dislikes waterlogged soil. Pots and raised beds improve drainage and allow better control over soil conditions, especially in wetter climates.
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• Grit, Sand, or Mediterranean Herb Compost
Adding grit or using specialist herb compost prevents root rot and encourages compact, aromatic growth.
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• Herb Snips or Fine Pruning Scissors
Regular cutting keeps thyme bushy and productive. Sharp snips allow clean harvesting without tearing woody stems.
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What Is Thyme?
Thyme (Thymus species) is a low-growing, woody perennial herb native to the Mediterranean. It produces small aromatic leaves and masses of tiny flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. Most thyme varieties are evergreen and can be harvested year-round.
- Flavour: Savoury, earthy, aromatic
- Growth habit: Low-growing, spreading or upright
- Harvest period: All year (best before flowering)
- Uses: Roasts, stews, soups, marinades, teas
Thyme is also valued as a companion plant and ground cover.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Thyme
- Soil: Free-draining, light, low fertility
- Position: Full sun
- Sowing time: March to May (or buy plants)
- Spacing: 20–30cm between plants
- Watering: Low once established
Poor drainage is the most common cause of thyme failure.
The Best 20 Varieties of Thyme to Grow
1. Common Thyme
The classic culinary variety.
- Strong flavour
- Upright growth
- Excellent for cooking
Essential kitchen herb.
2. English Thyme
Traditional garden thyme.
- Hardy and reliable
- Compact habit
- Rich aroma
Ideal for UK gardens.
3. French Thyme
Favoured by chefs.
- Stronger flavour
- Narrow leaves
- Excellent heat tolerance
Great for Mediterranean dishes.
4. Lemon Thyme
Popular scented variety.
- Citrus aroma
- Mild flavour
- Decorative foliage
Excellent for fish and chicken.
5. Golden Lemon Thyme
Variegated lemon-scented type.
- Yellow-edged leaves
- Decorative appearance
- Mild citrus flavour
Ideal for containers.
6. Silver Thyme
Attractive ornamental variety.
- Silver-edged leaves
- Compact growth
- Subtle flavour
Excellent edging plant.
7. Creeping Thyme
Low-growing ground cover.
- Spreading habit
- Pink flowers
- Light aroma
Ideal between paving stones.
8. Woolly Thyme
Soft-textured ornamental thyme.
- Fuzzy leaves
- Low growth
- Minimal culinary use
Great for rock gardens.
9. Caraway Thyme
Distinctive aromatic variety.
- Caraway-like scent
- Small leaves
- Compact growth
Good for seasoning.
10. Orange Thyme
Unusual scented thyme.
- Sweet citrus aroma
- Decorative foliage
- Mild flavour
Excellent for teas.
11. Pizza Thyme
Strong-flavoured culinary type.
- Intense aroma
- Upright habit
- Robust growth
Ideal for Italian dishes.
12. Elfin Thyme
Dwarf creeping variety.
- Very low growth
- Dense mat
- Fine texture
Perfect for borders.
13. Mother of Thyme
Classic creeping thyme.
- Spreading growth
- Strong scent
- Pollinator friendly
Good ground cover.
14. White Creeping Thyme
Flowering ground cover type.
- White blooms
- Dense growth
- Hardy habit
Excellent for pathways.
15. Red Creeping Thyme
Decorative flowering variety.
- Deep pink flowers
- Strong scent
- Low-growing
Great ornamental thyme.
16. Doone Valley Thyme
Highly decorative variety.
- Variegated foliage
- Strong lemon scent
- Compact growth
Excellent container plant.
17. Broadleaf Thyme
Large-leaf culinary type.
- Bold flavour
- Larger leaves
- Good for fresh use
Easy to harvest.
18. Highland Cream Thyme
Cream-variegated variety.
- Attractive foliage
- Mild flavour
- Slow growth
Ideal for mixed herb displays.
19. Spicy Orange Thyme
Highly aromatic variety.
- Warm citrus scent
- Decorative leaves
- Unique flavour
Great for teas and desserts.
20. Wild Thyme
Native species.
- Hardy and tough
- Strong aroma
- Wildlife friendly
Excellent naturalised plant.
Common Problems When Growing Thyme
- Root rot: Poor drainage
- Woody growth: Lack of pruning
- Weak flavour: Too much fertiliser
- Leggy plants: Insufficient sun
Minimal feeding and regular trimming keep plants healthy.
Harvesting and Pruning Tips
- Harvest before flowering for best flavour
- Cut little and often
- Avoid cutting into old woody growth
- Prune lightly after flowering
Proper pruning extends plant life.
Nutritional Benefits of Thyme
- Rich in antioxidants
- Contains vitamins A and C
- Antibacterial properties
- Supports respiratory health
Thyme has both culinary and traditional herbal uses.
Final Thoughts
Thyme is a tough, rewarding herb that offers year-round value with very little effort. With such a wide range of varieties available, you can grow thyme for cooking, decoration, ground cover, or pollinator support.
Whether you choose classic culinary types, scented varieties, or creeping forms for pathways and borders, thyme is one of the most useful and versatile herbs you can add to your garden.