Do you have questions about the Care and maintenance What should you give the lemon thyme?
Most people ask this same question. The flowering plant of the lipped family has become very popular at home. The lemon scent that emanates can perfume any room in the house and its antibacterial and antifungal properties they have given him a deserved fame.
Lemon thyme characteristics
Many have made the mistake of planting it alongside other aromatic plants, which affects its growth, so it is preferable to put it alone, in a medium pot, and place it in a window, as it will need a lot of sun to give off the aroma of its pink flowers.
The gardens of central and southern Europe are usually full of bees that pollinate their flowers. Botanists claim that can be planted throughout the year, but it is preferable in the middle or end of winter so that its growth is exposed to a hotter climate and the cold does not affect it.
In Spain a debate has been generated about this species and many confuse it with the typical thyme of Andalusia, but lemon thyme is more of a hybrid between two of its three varieties: Thimus vulgaris (common thyme) and Thimus pulegiodes.
In fact, its taxonomy defines its smell as citrus, which is indicative that it does not smell exactly like lemon. There are those who compare it to bergamot and it is that, in their oils essential there is a high index of thymol and carvacrum.
You don't have to worry about its purple leaves! they will continue to flavor your stews, meats, fish and salads. It reaches a height of between 13 and 40 centimeters, it usually has a woody stem and is resistant to everything except excess water.
Basic care of lemon thyme
Drainage is vital for this plant, so if you don't have a lot of time to take care of it, it doesn't matter so much, you can water it from time to time and everything will be fine.
Overwatering can dry it out because its roots rot or it is attacked by fungi. If you observe that its leaves are they turn yellow, stop watering it, check the soil, fertilize it and reduce the days of irrigation.
Growing one at home is not difficult and if you follow the right steps, some seeds can germinate. After 90 days it will reach its state of maturity and it will take 180 more days to develop, since it is a slow growing plant. You can also opt for a sprout.
Keep in mind, that the seed should be sown shallow and where the sun shines so that after two or three weeks, you can see the sapling and enjoy its smell and taste.
The only thing you should pay attention to is keeping its stem soft and constantly rejuvenating. Both its sowing and its pruning must be done in the sun, so morning is the best time.
According to specialists, you should bear in mind that its cut must be before it blooms, if it is to keep its medicinal properties intact.. It is not recommended to dry it like the common species.
It is often used as a natural air freshener for the home, but one of its most notable functions is the detox infusions, in which it is usually mixed with honey and fruits.
How to grow lemon thyme plants
Lemon thyme plants appear as a low-growing evergreen shrub with a small lemon-scented foliage, being an easy plant to grow with endless gastronomic uses in any dish that requires citrus and salty notes.
How to grow lemon thyme is pretty straightforward, since this little variety will flourish in high-resistance areas.
These aromatic herbs enjoy a well-drained soil and minimal wateringas this herb is extremely tolerant of poor soil conditions and drought. It also does not present significant insect or disease problems.
Therefore, Lemon thyme care is as simple as sowing the plant in full sun and avoid overwatering, as it is prone to root rot.