The Old Farmer's Almanac Organic Thyme Seeds - Premium Non-GMO, Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Herb Seeds

Easy to grow and happy with little care, Thyme is as welcome in any garden as it is in the kitchen. Beyond it’s culinary, decorative and medicinal uses, Thyme attracts pollinators and repels pests. Premium, non-GMO, open pollinated, Heirloom, Organic Thyme Seeds from The Old Farmer's Almanac have high germination rates and are packed for the current growing season.

  • $5.95

Freshly Packed: These seeds are packed for the current growing season and will provide high germination rates next year as well.

Premium Packaging: All seeds from The Old Farmer’s Almanac are packaged in individually styled packets ideal for gifts, storage or immediate use. Each packet displays the flower, vegetable, plant or herb variety on the front with instructions and plant facts on the back.

After (optional) cold stratification, sow indoors 8-10 weeks before the last spring frost. Press onto soil gently, with only the lightest of covering, to allow light for germination. Transplant hardened 3-4" seedlings to dry, loose soil after the last frost. Thin to 1 plant per pot or space 12-18" apart. Water sparingly, at the base of the plant, allowing soil to dry out between times. (Over watering is Thyme’s biggest threat.) To harvest, snip about half of a tender, non-flowering stem.

Cold Stratification. It's a Must! Thyme seeds tend to have low germination rates. For best results, place seed packets in the freezer for 2-6 weeks prior to planting. This process, known as cold stratification, simulates a short winter and improves germination as well as overall plant health. Read our blog post on Cold Stratification Explained!

Help Thyme reach it's potential. Prune the tender, flavorful, stems regularly to encourage growth. Never cut the heavier wooded base though. 

Wit & Wisdom: Burning thyme can help get rid of insects in your house. To learn more about growing Thyme Read The Old Farmer's Almanac Thyme Growing Guide!

Companion Planting: Plant thyme next to cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower & brussels sprouts to deter cabbage worm.

Dry Your Thyme! Drying thyme is an excellent way to preserve its flavor and aroma for months to come. Learn all about how to do it by reading our A Guide to Drying Thyme Blost Post!

Are Your Seeds Heirloom? What are Heirloom Seeds?
Heirloom Seeds (sometimes called Heritage Seeds) are open pollinated vegetable and herb seed strains that have been planted, grown and harvested for several generations (usually more than 30 or 50 years depending on the variety) with consistent results. Heirloom seeds are always non-GMO and are never hybrids. All of our vegetable and herb seeds are heirloom seeds.

Are Your Seeds Non-GMO? What Does Non-GMO Mean?
Non-GMO means seeds (or other products) that were produced without genetic engineering and were not derived from GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). All of our seeds are non-GMO.

Where do Your Seeds Come From?
Most of the seeds offered on our site are USA Origin seeds sourced from certified US based suppliers. We do also source a small number of seeds from other countries. To view the specific origin of any of our current seed offerings, check the seed packet or look in the specifications for "Country of Origin" on any product page.

Are Your Seeds Packed for the Current Growing Season?
All of our seed packets are packed for the current growing season. If stored properly they will provide high germination rates for 1-2 additional years as well.

How Can I Store My Seeds Safely for Use in the Future?
Our seeds will generally retain their high germination rates for several years from the date of purchase. If you're planning on saving your seeds for us in the future, the most important thing to remember that seeds like to be stored where it is cool, dry and dark. The easiest way to ensure this for long term storage at home is to double-seal your seeds inside two zipper style bags and then place them in the freezer. (Make sure you label your seeds for future reference if they're not in original packaging.) When you're ready to plant your seeds, take just the ones you want to use out of the freezer and let them sit on a counter, in a covered container, for a few days to thaw and stabilize before being planted. To preserve germination rates, minimize temperature, light and humidity fluctuations by storing your seeds at the back of the freezer and only taking them out when you're ready to use them.

What Does the "Packed For" Year Mean on the Back of Seed Packets?
Federal regulations require seed packets to include "Packed For" Year markings. The "Packed For" Year is not an expiration date, it is only an indicator of when the seeds were packaged. "Packed For" Years can help gardeners determine how viable (able to germinate) seeds are likely to be. If stored properly -- in a dark, cool, dry place -- most seeds will deliver high germination rates for several years after the "Packed For" date.

The Package with my Seeds in was Left Outside in Freezing and/or Rainy Weather. Will the Seeds Still Work?
As long as your seeds have not gotten wet they should work fine. Freezing temperatures will not hurt the seeds.

Are Your Seeds Treated?
No. The USDA Certified Organic Program prohibits the use of treated seeds. All of our seeds -- whether certified organic or not -- are untreated.

The Old Farmer's Almanac Organic Thyme Seeds

UPC Code 050008688645
Seed Count Approximately 320 Seeds Per Gram
Packed for Year These seeds are packed for the current growing season and will provide high germination rates next year as well.
Packaging Packet or Resealable Pouch
Seed Type Organic, Non-GMO, Heirloom, Herb
Life Cycle Perennial
Hardiness Zone USDA 5-10
Scientific (Latin) Name Genus Thymus
Other (Common) Names Common Thyme, English Thyme, French Thyme
Growth Medium Soil
When to Plant Spring (Indoors)
Planting Depth Press into Soil Only
Plant Spacing 12-18 Inches
Row Spacing 12-18 Inches
Light Preference Full Sun
Moisture Preference Water sparingly, at the base of the plant, allowing soil to dry out between waterings.
Time to Germination 14-28 Days
Time to Maturity / Harvest 80-90 Days (After Sowing)
Growth Habit 6-12 Inch Trailing Shrubs
Plant Height 6-12 Inches