We’ll cover all aspects of starting thyme from cuttings today.
Thyme is a woody-stemmed perennial herb that bears large, flavorful leaflets.
Thyme is probably a herb you’ve used in the kitchen or at least one you’ve tasted. Thyme is commonly used in sauces and soups as a seasoning. Additionally, it can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen, such as in potato or poultry dishes.
Thyme, like many other herbs, can be grown successfully in a wide range of climates around the world, including the United States. If you’re growing herbs for your kitchen, thyme is an excellent choice because it produces delicious fresh thyme when it’s ready to use.
However, where do you begin?
Growing thyme from cuttings is an interesting alternative to starting from seed, and you don’t even need a thyme plant to get started.
DO CUTTINGS OF THYME GROW INTO NEW PLANTS?
Thyme can be propagated from cuttings, which is what the term “propagating thyme” means. To propagate a plant, you divide it, take cuttings or some other method to produce a new plant that is genetically identical to the original.
While some plants are more difficult to propagate, you can get your hands on your own thyme plant with some patience and care.
When it comes to growing thyme, cuttings are the way to go.
GROW THYME FROM CUTTINGS: A GUIDE
Cuttings of thyme are required to grow thyme.
- Potting soil and a small pot (no larger than 3 inches in diameter with good drainage)
- Water
- Hormone for water rooting (optional)
Thyme takes a long time to grow from cuttings, so keep that in mind as we go through the process. It could take up to a year for your new thyme plant to be ready for harvest and consumption.
SECRETS TO PROPAGATION OF THYME, STEP BY STEP
Thyme can be grown from cuttings in a variety of ways.
Get your hands on some shit!
Of course, some thyme cuttings are a prerequisite for getting started.
If you’re growing your own thyme, all you need to do is cut off a few healthy, non-flowering sprigs, about 4-6 inches long. All year long, you can take cuttings from a plant during its active growth period, which occurs between spring and fall.
Fresh thyme can be purchased in bulk at most supermarkets or farmers’ markets if you don’t already have your own supply and don’t know anyone who does. Though freshly cut sprigs of thyme are always preferred, pre-packaged sprigs of thyme are fine to get you started.
Is it better to plant in the spring or in the fall? The answer depends on where you are growing, but early fall is generally the best time of year for planting.
When plants grow thicker stems (sometimes even woody at the base), your cutting will be more stable for propagation.
Cut off the bottom 2 inches of each THYME SPRIG.
Using a thyme sprig, remove the lower portion of the stem’s leaves—you’ll need about 2 inches of bare stem for future roots!
The sprig’s tip should be trimmed at a 45-degree angle if you plan to propagate it immediately. This will give the sprig’s core some new light.
You can keep the sprigs in the fridge in a plastic bag if you aren’t ready to propagate.
Dip the stem into a Growth Hormone (Optional).
The bare stem of the sprig can now be dipped into a rooting hormone.
When it comes to thyme, which you will almost certainly consume in the future, adding growth hormones isn’t necessary. It may be necessary for stronger roots in some cases, but it isn’t always necessary.
You can buy growth hormone in powder or gel form at your local garden center if you want to speed up the growth of your plant’s root system. In order to apply the growth hormone, simply dip your stem into some water.
If you’re using a rooting hormone to propagate thyme, keep in mind that you’ll have to wait a full year before eating any of the plant’s parts.
FORM THE ROOF STRUCTURE
The stem can be planted in a potting soil mix to ensure good drainage if you choose to start the plant with growth hormone. Planting them in a small pot or pack is preferable because they are just sprigged at this point. If you need to relocate the plant, this will make it easier.
Root structure should be established before planting in the soil if growth hormones are not being used. To do this, simply submerge the thyme plant’s 2″ bare stem in a glass of water. Roots should begin to emerge from the stem within a few weeks!
After a few mature roots have formed, the plant is ready for potting! The root system can only grow into the soil if the sprig’s stem is in good contact with it.
When the soil temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, perform this procedure.. Sprouts that are planted too early may not take root, while those planted too late may suffer from the heat and fail to take off.
BE PATIENT AND WAIT SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS FOR THE PLANT TO GROW
How long a plant takes to root and grow will depend on the time of year it is propagated. After about six to eight weeks, you’ll start to see some signs of progress.
You should keep your thyme plant in a warm, moist place to keep it healthy. For those who have a greenhouse, this weather is ideal! If that doesn’t work, you can cover the plant and container with a plastic bag. If you live in an area with a mild climate, you may be able to grow the plant outside.
There is a possibility that transplant shock is to blame if the leaves turn yellow after a few weeks. Plants, like people, dislike sudden change. Trim the yellow leaves and prepare for new growth in this case.
A THYME PLANT NEEDS TENDING TO WELL
It’s time to start treating your plant like any other young plant you would buy from a greenhouse or growing center now that it has been started. This plant’s care and maintenance will be critical, so make sure it gets plenty of sunlight, water (the top layer of soil should be damp), and attention.
The thyme plant will eventually outgrow its pot and can be planted in the ground to last for many years.
THYME GROWING FROM CUTTINGS: A SUMMARY
Finally, thyme is an excellent herb to grow from cuttings! This is how you can get your thyme to grow.
- Thyme can be found easily enough (either from an existing plant or from your grocery store)
- Remove the bottom 2′′ of each stem’s leaves for slicing.
- Plant in potting soil after dipping the stem in a growth hormone OR
- The stem should be placed in a glass of water for a few weeks before planting.
- A humid climate and occasional watering is all that is needed to keep the stem and pot alive for 6-8 weeks.
- Take care of your thyme plant!
