Herbs
Thyme
Soft leafy tips to snip without cutting into bare old wood.
Sowing & planting windows in Australia
Planting timing varies by broad Australian gardening zone. Local weather, unusual seasons and your garden’s microclimate can shift timing.
Cool
Sow · Sep–Nov
Core months: September, October, November
Possible / shoulder months: December
Temperate
Sow · Sep–Oct
Core months: September, October
Possible / shoulder months: March, April, August, November, December
Subtropical
Sow · Jul–Oct
Core months: July, August, September, October
Possible / shoulder months: March, April, May, June
Tropical
Sow · Jun–Jul
Core months: June, July
Possible / shoulder months: March, April, May, August, September
Arid
Sow · Aug
Core months: August
Possible / shoulder months: March, April, May, June, July, September
Getting started
Sow seed for new plants, or root cuttings from a selected plant; plant into gritty, free-draining soil.
The right conditions
Choose sun to light shade and fertile, free-draining soil; protect from harsh heat where appropriate.
As it grows
Water to establish, then keep on the dry side with excellent drainage; trim lightly without cutting into bare old wood.
Ready to harvest
Snip soft leafy tips before flowering and avoid cutting deeply into leafless old wood.
Related how-to guides
Root a low stem by layering
Choose a healthy flexible stem that reaches the soil without cracking.
Harvest herbs and pinch basil for more growth
Identify the culinary herb and edible part.
Prune rosemary, sage and other woody herbs gently
Check how the herb grows and where green leafy shoots remain.
Plant guidance: Desk-reviewed; not field-tested. Planting windows are a guide rather than a rule.