Timo Silver Queen

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Lamiaceae or Labiatae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Thymus

Species

vulgaris

Description

Aromatic perennial plant with compact growth and abundant branching; extremely versatile, it is used in agribusiness, medicinal, therapeutic and as an ornamental plant in composition with other species of different heights in flowerbeds, rock gardens and therapeutic green spaces. Highly rustic, it prefers full sun exposure in soil free of waterlogging and in non-windy areas.

The edible leaves, with their characteristic penetrating aroma, are widely used in the culinary field in the preparation of sauces, stews and other dishes typical of Mediterranean cuisine.

Variety description

A variety of thyme that is distinctive essentially due to the articulated colouring of its leaves, which take on a silver and whitish tinge that also serves a decorative function; there is also a difference in scent, which in this case is very reminiscent of citrus fruits. In terms of cultivation, there are low water and nutritional requirements; however, it is important to carry out the various cultivation cares in accordance with the indicated times and methods.

Curiosities and special features

Fresh thyme leaves, in addition to containing water, are rich in dietary fibre, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin C, beta-carotene and provitamin A.

This aromatic plant is often used in cooking to flavour boiled meats, broths, salads, stews, sauces and other dishes; an oil containing thymol with antibacterial, antiseptic, insecticidal and antifungal properties is also extracted from the leaves.

The word 'thyme' may derive from the Greek word thumos meaning courage or from the Greek word thymos meaning burning or fumigating because in Greek civilisation thyme leaves were burnt as incense in temples in the belief that it was a source of courage; the specific epithet, vulgaris, is Latin and means common or widespread.

Origin and distribution

A native species of southern Europe, from the western Mediterranean to Italy; it is believed that the spread of thyme throughout Europe is due to the Romans who used it to purify environments and to impart flavour to dishes and liqueurs.

Today it is cultivated in many geographical areas with a mild temperate climate.

Flower size

The flower individually is small, united in the characteristic spike-like inflorescence.

Leaf

The leaf has a lanceolate lamina and is also characterised by its typical intense aroma.

Fruit

The leaf contains no seeds and has a weight of G, with a medium consistency and a length of 0.5 to 1.5 cm. The skin is not edible, while the colouring is two-tone. Available all year round, it offers a herbaceous and aromatic flavour with a sour taste, being unscented but characterised by a strong, penetrating aroma. In terms of quality, it has a good shelf life and overall good quality, representing a variety with excellent organoleptic characteristics and multiple culinary uses.

Flowering period

It flowers from early to mid-spring for a duration of 25 to 30 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence spike.

Leaf colour

Unicolour shades.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.2 to 0.6 m; suitable for ornamental purposes either to create compact homogenous masses or in compositions with other species of different development.

Lifespan

Perennial plant.

Where to plant

Used in different spaces and contexts as bedding plants , balconies, large pots, open field, terraces, outdoor tubs Also ideal for rock gardens and therapeutic green areas.

Stem

Woody stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a small, tubular corolla with single-coloured petals. It is arranged in medium-sized spike-like inflorescences. It flowers from early to mid-spring, with a flowering period of between 25 and 30 days. It is attractive to bees and butterflies.

Growth

Medium to vigorous growing variety.

Plant habit

It develops an erect habitus.

Branching

The abundant branching gives compactness and density to the foliage.

PH

The ideal soil pH ranges from slightly acidic to alkaline, between 6.5 and 8.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in spring or autumn, the soil must be properly prepared; to this end, it is advisable to dig the soil 20/30 cm deep, removing any weeds, bulky stones and residues from previous crops, then bury organic or chemical fertiliser, which will provide the nutrients needed in the plant's early stages of development, and then break up the more compact and coarse clods with a hoe to improve fertiliser distribution. In order to improve the drainage of excess water, thus preventing harmful waterlogging, proceed by creating a raised bed by slightly bouldering the soil, then carefully level the surface.

During cultivation, move the soil slightly for the first 2/3 cm with a hoe to aerate it and eliminate possible weeds.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

Prefers full sun, afternoon sun, sheltered from the wind.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 30 °C; it tolerates dry and hot climates.

Use

Very versatile, it is widely used as a plant in

Agribusiness Officinal / phytotherapeutic field Aromatics Ornamental

Hardiness

A plant characterised by medium-high rusticity, with balanced fertilisation and watering free of stagnation it will guarantee excellent growth results.

Soil

Thyme adapts to different types of soil, however, the ideal soil condition is medium-textured soil, well endowed with organic matter and draining; for cultivation in pots and planters, a specific horticultural substrate containing blond and brown peat is recommended.

Difficulty

Cultivation is fairly easy, the level of effort required for proper vegetative development is low overall.

Growing tips

Here are some cultivation measures to achieve the best vigour in development:

Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures Correct pruning

Intercropping/combination

Suitable, within the vegetable garden, in intercropping with cress.

Combinations with other plants

Thyme can also be used ornamentally in compositions with other species such as Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula stoechas, Nasturtium, Nepeta cataria.

Planting

At the time of transplanting ensure correct spacing between each individual specimen to allow optimum vigour of growth, we therefore recommend an average density of 11 plants per square metre. We also suggest placing each seedling on a raised bed with the collar off the soil surface, taking care not to damage the roots, which must appear intact and white in colour, and avoiding completely sinking the root balls, which must be kept well moist. Finally, water immediately after planting, preferably during the morning hours.

Pruning

During cultivation, make a cut at about 5/10 cm in order to safeguard the basal buds, which guarantee the next regrowth and thus continuity in production; cut off any dry parts by a clean cut.

Propagation

Multiplication can be by spring sowing in containers, from cuttings or by division of the heads.

Repotting

If cultivated in pots or tubs, repotting in early spring or late winter into larger containers is recommended if the plant does not show adequate root development.

Watering

Avoid water stagnation and excess watering; irrigation should be constant the first year of planting, while for subsequent years sporadic watering will suffice depending on the needs of the plant and the climatic conditions. Use rainwater, alternatively from aqueducts or canals, either manually or by means of an irrigation system. During the transplanting phase, assist the seedling to ensure it adapts properly to its new site without over-watering. Afterwards, keep the soil slightly damp, allowing it to dry slightly between one watering and the next. It is advisable not to water the aerial part of the plant during the late afternoon/evening to prevent the spread of phytopathologies, also water after the harvest cut.

In the case of sowing, it is advisable, after completely burying the seed and covering it with substrate and non-woven fabric, to keep the soil wet until the sprout emerges.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

During pre-transplant soil preparation, carry out basic fertilisation by burying slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser. Afterwards, proceed with balanced fertilisation, increasing the frequency of application in summer and reducing it in autumn-winter; it is advisable to use a water-soluble fertiliser for horticultural plants, to be diluted in the irrigation water and applied to the soil or substrate according to the doses and frequencies indicated on the label of the product purchased.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet safety

Ingestion toxicity in domestic animals not known; consider case-specific.

Edibility for humans

The edible part is the leaves and, in some varieties, also the flowers.

Toxicity for humans

The edible part is not toxic if ingested in appropriate quantities, however, consider the specific case.

Tip

A plant that does not require too much water; for this reason it can also be grown in dry climate zones.