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The popular kitchen herb thyme can be easily propagated by cuttings. Our detailed step-by-step instructions will show you which shoots are suitable and how best to proceed.

In a nutshell

  • Thyme is easy to propagate from softwood cuttings
  • only use soft, green side shoots
  • best time between late may and mid june
  • Immediately plant freshly cut shoots in nutrient-poor growth substrate
  • Rooting occurs within six to eight weeks

substrate and plant pots

In order to be successful in propagating thyme, you first need the right equipment. Choose a nutrient-poor, sandy substrate, potting soil or herb soil is ideal. Thymus is a real hunger artist that doesn't need a lot of nutrients - on the contrary, over-fertilization is even harmful - in addition, nutrient-rich potting soil prevents the development of a strong root system.
When it comes to planters, you can use whatever you have on hand: flat bowls, small and large pots and even egg boxes. The vessels should be clean and disinfected so that the young plants do not become infected with germs. Then fill in the also disinfected potting soil.

Tip: Potting soil can be disinfected very well in the oven or in the microwave: Bake the well-moistened soil at 150 degrees Celsius for half an hour or heat it in small amounts for ten minutes at the highest level.

Selection of suitable cuttings

New thyme plants are obtained from softwood cuttings. The gardener understands this to mean immature, completely green shoots from this year's growth. These cuttings wilt very quickly after cutting and should therefore be planted immediately in the prepared potting soil. Make sure you only cut off absolutely healthy shoots without yellowing or stains.

Tip: The best time to propagate thyme is late spring or early summer. If possible, cut the green shoots between the end of May and mid-June, then you will have the best success. In principle, however, the propagation of cuttings is possible all year round.

cut cuttings

Proceed as follows when cutting the cuttings:

  • Check the mother plant for possible signs of disease and pests.
  • Choose long, strong, healthy side shoots.
  • These should be about ten centimeters long.
  • Cut off the shoots just below a leaf base.

Use a sharp knife to cut the stems to avoid bruising them. You should also clean the cutting tool with high-proof alcohol or another disinfectant to kill any pathogens that may have attached.

preparation

After cutting, remove the lower leaves so that only a few leaves remain in the upper half of the shoot. Dip the cut section in a rooting powder. This is commercially available under the name "root activator" and promotes the formation of new roots.

Plant offshoots

Now drill a hole in the potting soil with a pencil or, if available, a pricking stick. Insert the cutting and lightly press the soil with the planting aid. There should be no air pockets, as these impede root growth. Finally, gently water the cuttings - the soil should be moist, but not wet.

Optimal care

Now place the planter with the freshly potted cuttings in a warm and bright location, but not directly sunny. The window sill of a window facing east or west is ideal. You can cover the jar with foil or something similar to ensure higher humidity. However, this step is not absolutely necessary. Always keep the potting soil slightly moist, but avoid getting wet. Fertilization is not allowed - the young plants cannot absorb the nutrients anyway due to the lack of roots.

Transplant rooted thyme

The small cuttings take root within six to eight weeks. You can tell that new roots have formed by the growth of new shoots. Now you can place the young plants directly in the garden bed or individually in larger planters. Care for them like adult thyme too.

frequently asked Questions

When is the right time to cut the thyme?

In principle, you can of course prune thyme plants all year round if you want to harvest fresh herbs. So that the perennial subshrubs do not become lignified over time, but continuously develop fresh, aromatic shoots, you should cut back the plants vigorously in early spring (if possible before they sprout in March / April) and after flowering in summer.

How to properly cut thyme

When pruning, be careful never to cut into woody parts of the plant - if that happens, green branches will no longer grow from them. Therefore, only cut back the fresh, this year's shoots by about two thirds. Leave about two to three centimeters of the green branches.

What tools do you need for pruning?

It is best to use simple pruning shears or rose shears to cut back a thyme plant. This should be well sharpened and, above all, freshly cleaned and disinfected. This prevents the transmission of pathogens from one plant to another. Other utensils are not necessary.

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Vegetable garden