Common Name: |
Lemon Thyme |
Botanical Name: |
Thymus x citriodorus |
Genus: |
Thymus |
Family: |
Lamiaceae |
Native Location: |
Garden origin |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained soil in sun. Most thymes prefer neutral to alkaline soil and thrive in stony or rocky situations. Thymes dislike wet winters, and benefit from a layer of gravel to protect the foliage from contact with wet soil. In autumn remove fallen leaves that settle on thyme plants as these may cause rotting. Trim lightly after flowering and remove dead flower heads to encourage bushiness. Remove green shoots of variegated cultivars to maintain variegation. In areas with cold, damp winters, T. camphoratus is best grown in an alpine house. Thymus vulgaris is used in companion planting to control flea beetles, cabbage white butterflies, and other cabbage pests. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in spring (species only); by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer; by division in spring. |
Harvest: |
Whole plants and flowering tops are collected in summer, as flowering begins, and distilled for oil, or dried for elixirs, liquid extracts, and infusions. Sprigs are picked during the growing season and used fresh, or dried for infusions. |
Variations: |
Golden King Is upright and bushy, with yellow-margined leaves. Tends to revert. Height: 23cm (9in) Width: 30cm (12in) |
Golden Queen Has an open habit, pale green, yellow-variegated leaves, and mauve flowers. |
Nyewoods Has yellow-green leaves with a central green zone. |
Silver Queen Has silver-green to cream-marbled leaves. Differs in appearance from T. vulgaris 'Silver Posie' in having more variable variegation and pink-tinged tips in winter; also less hardy and more liable to revert. Height: 23cm (9in) Width: 30-40cm (12-16in) |
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Height: |
25-30cm (10-12in) |
Width: |
60cm (24in) |
Hardiness: |
Z5-9 |
Parts Used: |
Whole plant, leaves, flowering tops, oil. |
Properties: |
An aromatic, decongestant, relaxant herb with a strong lemon scent. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Oil is considered less irritant than other thyme oils, and is used in aromatherapy for asthma and other respiratory complaints, notably in children. |
Culinary Uses: |
Leaves are used to flavor savor dishes, especially fish, stuffings for poultry, and vegetables; also made into tea. |
Economic Uses: |
Dried leaves are added to potpourris and herb pillows. |
Bibliography: |
The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 387-388
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