Herbs & Edibles
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
Tiny leaves, big flavor, and a strong preference for being underwatered on a sunny ledge.
- Typical watering
- Every ~8 days
- Light
- full sun, 6+ hours
- Difficulty
- easy
Care tips
- Let the top 3-5 cm dry out before watering
- Plant in gritty, fast-draining mix; rich soil dulls the flavor
- Snip stems just above a leaf pair to trigger branching
- Give it your sunniest, driest windowsill
Common questions
How often should I water a thyme? +
A healthy indoor thyme typically wants water every 8 days or so. Treat that as a starting cadence, not a rule — pot size, light, and season all shift it, so check the soil before you pour.
How much light does a thyme need? +
A thyme does best in full sun, 6+ hours light. If it stretches, fades, or stalls, adjust its spot before changing anything else.
Is a thyme toxic to cats or dogs? +
The thyme is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA plant lists — still best kept out of chewing range.
Typical guidance for a healthy thyme — your own conditions (and your vet, for animals) come first.
Related guides
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- Parsley A steady producer for months if you cut outer stems first and keep the water coming.