French Thymes bloom in spring and attract early butterflies and many different kinds of beneficial flies and wasps. They are also a favorite of honey bees. They should be planted in full sun for best flavor. The ground should be well drained and fairly fertile. After they have bloomed, we will pull them up in a ponytail and crop them past the spent blooms (about a third of the way into the leaves). The leaves can be used fresh any time; but for drying, it is best to cut fresh growth after the bloom cycle. When three or four inch pieces of new growth can be harvested, cut these in the early morning, after the dew has dried, and make small bundles. Hang these out of direct light and check often for dryness. How long this will take depends on the moisture in the air. It is very important to make sure the Thyme is completely dry before storing, because improperly dried herbs can mildew and rot. If the herb is crispy when crushed between the fingers, then it is dry. When using dried herbs, always remove the herbs from the jar away from the steam of what you are cooking to avoid introducing moisture into the jar. French Thyme blooms in spring and attract early butterflies and many different kinds of beneficial flies and wasps. They are also a favorite of honey bees. They should be planted in full sun for best flavor.
