Wilder Thyme [Thymus pulegioides]

The perennial wild thyme is a hardy wild spice and medicinal plant that has been used as medicine since ancient times. In medicine it is used for respiratory diseases, administered as a tea, syrup, drops or as an inhalation. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-autumn, good for mixed culture, harvesting the flowers and leaves.

 Description 
Wild thyme is a perennial wild spice and medicinal plant from the Mediterranean region. The evergreen perennial was already used in ancient Egypt for mummification and as a medicinal herb. In the 11th century, the species was spread in Europe by wandering Benedictine monks. The hardy plant has dark green, egg-shaped and broad leaves that hardly become woody. The plants form creeping runners, which is why they are often used as fragrant lawns and like to grow in dry, stony locations and form flat cushions. The taste is mild and very similar to "Thymus vulgaris". The leaves smell aromatic and often turn dark red. It produces numerous pink to violet flowers that are a real delight for bees. It is an old medicinal plant from antiquity and the Middle Ages and is still preferred to thyme as a medicine today. Wild thyme is used especially for respiratory diseases - it is offered as a tea, syrup, drops or as an inhalation.

 General information 
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 25 cm
Root type: Deep and shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -22°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, sandy, loamy, humus, slightly calcareous

pH value: 7 to 8

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-22 °C
Germination time: 7-21 days
Plant and row spacing: 25x25 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Wild strawberries, Rosemary, Sage
Unfavorable mixed culture: Marigold, Basil

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from February to November is recommended. The plants should ideally be in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March to June is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Wild thyme ideally prefers a soil that is moderately nutrient-rich, dry to moist, permeable and sandy, containing loam and humus. It does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or cuttings.

 Plant care 
Loosened, nutrient-rich soil is sufficient. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Thymus pulegioides
English names: Broad-leaved thyme, Wild thyme, Lemon thyme
German names: Wilder Thymian, Quendel
Portuguese names: Serpilho 
Spanish names: Thymian más salvaje
French names: Thymien sauvage

 Origin 
Country: Portugal