The narrow leaves of French Thyme are distinctly grayer and sweeter than English Thyme. One of the three major varieties of Thyme, French Thyme is sometimes referred to as ‘Summer Thyme’. Essential in French cooking – no stew, soup or ragout is complete without this key culinary ingredient and it compliments meats, seafood, veggies and sauces well. French Thyme is also a basic herb in the savory seasoning satchel, Bouquet Garni, because it retains its flavor and scent during the cooking process.
Aside from its culinary value, French Thyme, like most other varieties of the Thyme family, is also prized for its preservative properties. Used to keep meats, ice cream and candies from spoiling, Thyme was also used in the embalming process by Ancient Egyptians.
GROWING NOTES
Given a sunny location with good drainage, easy-growing thyme plants are reliable productive and long-lived garden perennials. Little lilac flowers bloom in midsummer; cut back foliage halfway when the blossoms fade to keep plants looking fresh. Cut leafy thyme sprigs as needed once plants are well established.
| Plant In | Sun/Shade | Planting Depth | Space Seeds | Days To Germinate | Mature Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. – June | Full sun | 1/8 inch | Very thinly | 14 – 21 days | 8 – 12 inches |