Thymus faustini

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Thymus faustini thrives in full sun, which intensifies its flavour and encourages compact, healthy growth. It will tolerate light shade, but flowering and aroma may be reduced.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers light, well-drained soil, ideally sandy or gravelly, mimicking its natural Mediterranean habitat. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged ground.

• pH Range: Grows best in neutral to slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.5–8.0).

• Moisture Needs: Drought-tolerant once established, but water regularly during its first growing season to help roots settle.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early summer so it can establish before winter. Container-grown plants can be placed at any time if the soil is workable.

• Spacing: Allow 20–30 cm between plants for airflow and healthy spread.

• Container Growing: Well suited to pots, troughs, or window boxes—choose a free-draining compost mix with added grit.

• Positioning Tips: Excellent for herb gardens, rockeries, gravel beds, or as edging along sunny paths, where its scent is released when brushed.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering: Water sparingly once established, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot, especially in cooler months.

• Feeding: Thymus faustini does not need heavy feeding. A light sprinkle of balanced organic fertilizer or compost in spring is sufficient.

• Pruning:

  • Trim lightly after flowering to keep the plant compact and prevent woody growth.

  • Avoid cutting into old wood as regrowth may be slow.

• Harvesting: Pick leaves and stems as needed once the plant is well established. For best flavour, harvest in the morning after dew has dried, just before flowering.

• Flowering: Produces clusters of tiny, nectar-rich flowers in summer, which are highly attractive to bees and pollinators.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free. Occasionally, aphids or fungal issues may occur in very damp conditions—improve airflow and avoid overhead watering to prevent problems.

• Winter Care: Hardy in most UK and Irish climates (to about –10°C). In very wet winters, ensure drainage is excellent or move potted plants to a sheltered, well-drained spot.

• Propagation: Can be grown from seed, but more reliably propagated by division in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

Flavour, Uses, and Garden Value

• Flavour Profile: Thymus faustini offers a robust, aromatic flavour with a hint of citrus and spice—perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes.

• Culinary Uses:

  • Ideal for seasoning poultry, lamb, fish, and vegetable dishes.

  • Excellent in marinades, stuffing, soups, stews, and slow-cooked meals.

  • Pairs well with other Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, oregano, and sage.

  • Can be used fresh or dried—drying preserves flavour for year-round use.

• Herbal Uses: Traditionally valued for its antimicrobial and digestive properties. Often brewed as a herbal tea to soothe sore throats or aid digestion.

• Ornamental Value: Low-growing, mat-forming habit with attractive evergreen foliage that adds year-round interest.

• Pollinator Friendly: Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

• Companion Planting: Can help deter pests when planted near brassicas, tomatoes, or aubergines.

• Design Uses:

  • Works beautifully as a fragrant groundcover.

  • Ideal for herb spirals, alpine beds, and Mediterranean-style plantings.

  • Lovely as a container accent alongside lavender and scented geraniums.

• Yield and Longevity: A hardy, long-lived herb that will produce abundantly for many years with minimal care.

• Size
  P14

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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