How to Prune Thyme

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

When growing thyme, you need to regularly prune it throughout the years in order to promote a good shape of the herb and encourage continual growth. Thyme that has become overgrown due to a lack of pruning will be very woody and won’t produce many new stems and leaves. If your thyme has reached this stage, it’s best to replant a new bush and maintain good pruning habits going forward. For regular maintenance, plan to prune the herb in the spring, as desired during the growing season, and in the fall before the first frost. [1]

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Pruning to Promote Healthy Growth

PDF download Download Article
  1. Look for the new growth at the base of the plant or from the lower stems.Once you notice new growth, use small garden shears or scissors to trim off about ⅓ of the oldest, woodiest parts of the plant. [2] Do not trim the new growth.
    • Trimming more than ⅓ of the plant will leave it too bare and can slow its growth and production, so take care not to cut off too much.
    • Want to increase growth? If your thyme could use a boost, feed your plants an all-purpose plant food once a month. This is especially a good idea after big pruning sessions in the fall or spring.
  2. Use small garden shears or scissors to cut off 5 in (13 cm) sprigs to use in recipes. When choosing which stems to cut, try to choose ones that you can leave at least 5 inches (13 cm) of growth behind.
    • This regular harvesting is all the pruning that is needed throughout the season. Trimming your thyme regularly will encourage more fresh growth and a more rounded shape. [3]
    Advertisement
  3. After the flowers bloom and fade, use scissors or your fingers to remove the dead flowers from the stem. Cut or pinch the stem just below the flower head, but above the first set of healthy leaves. [4]
    • Removing dead flowers allows the plant to focus its energy on producing new, healthy stems and growth, and keeps the plant looking alive and fresh. [5]
  4. Do this all-over pruning about 1 month before the first frost is expected to give the plant time to heal and slow its growth before winter. Use small garden shears or scissors to remove only the soft, green stems from the plant. Do not cut past the woody parts of the herb—this is where it the new growth will occur.
    • Cutting the thyme way back will allow the herb to better withstand the winter weather and encourages new growth in the following season.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Harvesting Thyme to Use for Cooking

PDF download Download Article
  1. Once the plant begins to flower, the herb begins to lose some of its flavor and potency. The thyme can still be used after it flowers, just expect a milder flavor. [6]
  2. Use scissors to snip just below the growth node where a new bud or set of leaves is forming. Only remove the fresh, green stems and leave the tough, woody part of the stems behind. Also be sure to leave at least 5 inches (13 cm) of growth so that the plant can continue to thrive. [7]
    • Cut the thyme in the morning after the dew has evaporated for the highest concentration of oils. [8]
  3. Hold the thyme under cool running tap water to rinse off dirt and insects. Shake off the excess water and pat the sprigs dry with a clean paper towel. [9]
    • Alternatively, you can hose your thyme plant off with a garden hose and allow it to dry for a couple hours before you cut the stems. [10]
  4. Fresh thyme tends to have the best, most potent flavor. Use the sprigs to flavor soups, stews, and meat, or use it as a garnish. [11]
    • You can make thyme oil, vinegar, or butter using fresh thyme sprigs. [12]
  5. Dry the thyme in a dehydrator, in the oven, or by hanging it in a warm, dry, dark place. Once the thyme is completely dried out, crumble the sprigs and place them in an airtight jar or container. [13] Store the dried thyme in a cool, dark place for up to 4 years. [14]
    • To dry the thyme in a dehydrator, arrange the sprigs in a single layer on the racks in the machine for up to 2 days. [15]
    • Dry the thyme in the oven by placing the sprigs on a cookie sheet and baking them with the oven door propped open at 180 °F (82 °C) for 1-2 hours.
    • To hang the thyme to dry, bundle about 4-6 sprigs together with twine. Hang the bundles in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight for about 1 week. [16]
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Three weeks ago I purchased a small thyme perennial. Placed it in direct sun in my house; I also kept it wet and did not allow it to dry out. It has turned completely brown. Can it be saved?
    Ninox
    Top Answerer
    It is not likely. An explanation could be an excess of humidity since the soil was always humid.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 14
  • Question
    I have a plant that is dead with the exception of one sprig. Can I eat the dead thyme that’s dried out around the fresh sprig?
    Ninox
    Top Answerer
    Yes, you can use it as it were dried thyme. However, the taste can be slightly different.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 7
  • Question
    Can I use the thyme flower for new thyme plant?
    Ninox
    Top Answerer
    No, it is difficult to multiply thyme by using the flowers. The best way is to divide the plant in spring.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 12
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Plant Cannabis Seeds Indoors
      How to
      Identify Female and Male Marijuana Plants
      How to
      Grow Cannabis Outdoors: A Step-by-Step Guide
      How to
      Plant a Garden: A Comprehensive Guide
      How to
      Plant Date Seeds
      When and How to Trim Marijuana Plants
      How to
      Care for Houseplants & Outdoor Plants
      How to
      Grow Algae
      How to
      Cultivate Mushrooms at Home: Everything You Need to Know
      How to
      Propagate Lucky Bamboo
      How to
      Grow White Button Mushrooms
      Can LED Lights Grow Plants? Regular LED Lights vs. Grow Lights
      A Simple DIY Guide for Growing Your Own Spirulina Algae
      How to
      Grow Java Moss
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/jul/22/alys-fowler-prune-woody-herbs-lavendar-thyme-rosemary
      2. ↑ https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/thyme/pruning-thyme-plants.htm
      3. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-growing-thyme-221268
      4. ↑ https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fgen/deadheading-flowers.htm
      5. ↑ https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fgen/deadheading-flowers.htm
      6. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-growing-thyme-221268
      7. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-growing-thyme-221268
      8. ↑ https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/thyme/harvesting-thyme.htm
      9. ↑ https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/thyme/harvesting-thyme.htm
      1. ↑ https://roundrockgarden.wordpress.com/2009/10/27/how-to-harvest-thyme/
      2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/4-interesting-ways-to-preserve-fresh-thyme-221269
      3. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/4-interesting-ways-to-preserve-fresh-thyme-221269
      4. ↑ http://veggieharvest.com/herbs/thyme.html
      5. ↑ http://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/18501
      6. ↑ https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/thyme/harvesting-thyme.htm
      7. ↑ https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/hgen/how-to-dry-herbs-various-methods.htm

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Regularly pruning thyme will help encourage healthy growth and prevent it from becoming too woody. The best time to prune thyme is in early spring once it starts putting out new growth. Use clean garden shears or scissors to cut off ⅓ of the oldest, woodiest growth on the plant. After that, your thyme will be set for the growing season. Just snip off fresh, 5 inch (13 cm) sprigs throughout the season as you need them for cooking. Once the thyme flowers and the blooms fade, pinch them off of the plant to help redirect energy back to stems and leaves. About 1 month before the first frost of winter, prune off the top third of your thyme plant to help prepare it for dormancy over the winter. For more help from our Horticulturist co-author, like how to harvest thyme for cooking, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 217,478 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Wynn Adriaans

        Sep 26, 2022

        "My lemon thyme has strived, and I'll use your tips to ensure it will overwinter. I trimmed it once when it ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement