Thymus Serpyllum

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Perennial

Familiy, Origin:Lamiaceae, Europe, Asia, North Africa

Sitelocation:Full sun

Garden Height:10 cm， 3,94 inch

Natural flowertime:July - August

Crop Time:Plug crop: 6 weeks; Green pots: 8-10 weeks; Flowering pots: 10-12 months, including vernalization

Sell Period:May-October

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:6061 K/g

Sowing Method:5-10 seeds per plug, sowing directly into final pot is recommended

Germination:10-14 days at 18-22 °C, in media with very low soluble salt levels and pH: 4.0-6.0. Cover seed with vermiculite, sand or substrate after sowing. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet. The plant roots are very sensitive to wetness.

Plug Culture:From Stage II* reduce the soil moisture, but the plug should not dry out and reduce the temperature to 16-18 °C. Do not let soluble salt level rise above 0,5 EC. The roots are sensitive to high salt levels in substrate. Start fertilization at 50 ppm nitrogen in a well balanced formula. During Stage III and Stage IV fertilization levels can be increased to 100 ppm.

Growing On:4-6 weeks after sowing transplant 5-10 plants into a pot (7-13 cm).

Media:Use a well-drained, growing perennial substrate with 0-15 % clay, 0-15 % parts (e.g. bark, sand, perlite),1-1,5 kg/m3 of a complete balanced fertilizer, 0-2 kg/m3 of a slow release fertilizer (3-9 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 4.5-6.0.

Photoperiod / Light:Long day plants. The long day (14 h) supports the flower initiation and flower development. In winter and in early spring additional assimilation light (3000-4000 lx) combined with warm temperatures is promoted. Thymus is mainly sold as aromatic plants.

Temperature:Grow at 10-15 °C or outdoors. In winter indoors frost free at 3-5 °C or outdoors. Outdoor fleece cover needed. Protect the plants in spring (April-May) well against frost at night. The plants start to grow (from CW 51 earliest) at 15-18 °C for 5-6 weeks. Cold temperatures of 10-15 °C will increase the cultivation time. A chilling period (vernalization) is required for flower initiation.

Fertilization:Low fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 80-100 ppm nitrogen (at 0 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer in substrate), using alternating a calcium nitrate fertilizer and a potassium balanced fertilizer (N: K2O-ratio: 1:1,5). Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. Don't fertilize after mid September. In spring fertilize 80-100 ppm nitrogen of a complete balanced fertilizer.

Cultural Hints:The roots are sensitive to wet substrates. Avoid over watering and take care of a good drainage outdoors. Thymus need a warm and sunny location. For production of aromatic plants follow the actual legal requirements of the corresponding country.