Thymus herba barona

Low growing and with a distinct taste, Thymus herba barona is commonly called Caraway thyme.

The foliage does smell like caraway seed when crushed, and it can be used as a caraway substitute in some recipes.

Use the leaves either fresh or dried in breads, soups and stews.

The plant itself is evergreen and reasonably low growing. In can be used in the kitchen garden or as a ground cover plant.

It will reach around 15cm (6 inches) in height, so it is only suited to very light foot traffic areas.

Rosy pink flowers in late spring to summer attract bees to the garden and although Thymus herba barona may not form the dense ground cover of other thyme species, the fragrance of the foliage makes it a worthwhile addition to the garden

How to Grow Caraway thyme

Full sun and a well drained humus rich soil will provide excellent conditions.

1. Plant in spring as the weather warms up or in late summer.
2. Water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
3. Mulch lightly around the plant.
4. Water in summer during long dry periods, however do not allow the soil to become wet and soggy.
5. Prune back after flowering to promote a bushy habit and good new growth.

Pruning

The best time to prune is in mid summer or just after flowering. To maintain a low growing ground cover trim the whole plant back to around 5cm in height.

Caraway thyme is available for sale from the following nurseries

TRY