Quick facts
| Arabic name | الزعتر |
|---|---|
| English name | Thyme |
| Scientific name | Thymus vulgaris |
| Family | Mint family (Lamiaceae) |
| Plant type | Small aromatic shrub |
| Height | Usually 15 to 30 cm |
| Water use | Low |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
September to November, and February to March
Harvest time
October to May
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Thin stems with a woody base, tiny grey-green fragrant leaves, and small light pink or white flowers.
Where it grows
Grown in home gardens and pots, especially in mild and dry areas.
Soil
Light, well-drained sandy soil.
Water and irrigation
Low. Let the soil dry between waterings.
Climate and light
Full sun. Handles some cold.
Propagation
From cuttings, division and seeds.
Benefits and uses
- Used in cooking and herbal drinks
- Fragrant ground cover
- Attracts bees
Drawbacks
- Fairly short life; replant every few years
- Rots with too much water
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Thymus vulgaris
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Thymus vulgaris
- Wikipedia: Thymus vulgaris
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) - Plant finder
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)