THYMUS vulg. Foxley (Thyme)

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: ‘Foxley’ thyme thrives in full sun, which brings out the strongest aroma and healthiest growth. Too much shade will cause it to become leggy.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers light, well-drained soil, ideally sandy or gravelly. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas.

• pH Range: Neutral to slightly alkaline soils (pH 6.5–8.0) are best.

• Moisture Needs: Naturally drought-tolerant once established. Overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring after the last frost, or early summer for good establishment before winter.

• Spacing: Allow 20–30 cm between plants to give them room to spread and for air to circulate.

• Container Growing: Excellent for pots, troughs, or window boxes—use free-draining compost with added grit and ensure good drainage holes.

• Positioning Tips: Works beautifully in 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 young plants regularly until established, then reduce frequency. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

• Feeding: Light feeders—apply a small amount of balanced organic fertilizer or compost in spring to encourage healthy growth. Too much feed will weaken flavour.

• Pruning:

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

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

• Harvesting: Pick sprigs as needed once plants are mature. For the best flavour, harvest in the morning after dew has dried, just before flowering.

• Flowering: Produces clusters of small, pale pink to lilac flowers in summer, which are highly attractive to pollinators.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally trouble-free, but can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soil. Occasionally aphids or spider mites may appear—treat with organic controls if needed.

• Winter Care: Hardy perennial (H4–H5). In very wet winters, ensure good drainage or move container plants to a sheltered location.

• Propagation: Easily propagated by division in spring or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

Flavour, Uses, and Garden Value

• Flavour Profile: ‘Foxley’ thyme has a warm, aromatic flavour similar to common thyme, with subtle earthy undertones. The variegated cream-and-green foliage adds extra ornamental value.

• Culinary Uses:

  • Ideal for seasoning poultry, lamb, fish, and roasted vegetables.

  • Excellent in soups, stews, marinades, and herb blends.

  • Can be used fresh or dried—drying intensifies flavour for long-term storage.

• Herbal Uses: Traditionally used for its antiseptic and digestive properties. Often brewed as herbal tea for colds and sore throats.

• Ornamental Value: Attractive variegated foliage adds colour to the garden even when not in flower, making it an excellent choice for decorative as well as culinary purposes.

• Pollinator Friendly: Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

• Companion Planting: Helps deter cabbage moths and whitefly when planted near brassicas and tomatoes.

• Design Uses:

  • Beautiful as edging along borders or pathways.

  • Fits perfectly in herb spirals, alpine beds, and Mediterranean-style plantings.

  • Works well in mixed containers with other sun-loving herbs.

• Yield and Longevity: A hardy, low-maintenance perennial that will provide years of both culinary and ornamental value with minimal care.

• Size
  1.4/1.5 Litre

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.
 

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