GERMAN WINTER THYME

Thymus vulgaris

ORGANIC

An excellent selection of this common culinary herb with vigorous growth in the first year. Very hardy, these fragrant little shrublets will overwinter in zone 4 given good drainage. Mature plants can grow to almost 1' in all directions. Rich in thymol and suitable for drying. Highly recommended for homesteaders. Tuck some sprigs into jars of dilly beans and pickled carrots!

We sow these tiny seeds indoors: press seeds into moist soil and just barely dust with fine vermiculite. Mist carefully and cover with plastic to maintain moisture and temperature. Kept warm (65°F-70°F) and moist in bright light, seeds should begin to germinate within a week or two. Prick out seedlings once they have several sets of true leaves and transplant them into individual pots or cells to grow on at warm room temperature in bright light. Water from the bottom. Do not allow soil to become waterlogged. Alternatively, these seeds may be started in flats and potted up as necessary into successively larger containers. Sow at least four seeds per cell, thinning to a single strong plant. Snip to encourage branching when plants have several sets of true leaves. Allow soil to dry almost completely between waterings. Harden off and transplant outdoors around the date of the last frost.

Market gardeners may have luck sowing these seeds directly into warm garden soil in June, preferably along irrigation lines or using overhead sprinklers to maintain soil moisture.

Packet contains around 300 seeds.