English, French and German Thyme

English, French and German Thyme are the most well known culinary thyme varieties. There are some difference between them in terms of plant appearance, growth habit and flavor.

English, French and German Thyme – the differences between them.

English Thyme Overview:

• Also called garden thyme or common thyme.
• Dark grey-green, linear to ovate leaves.
• Fast growing herb, with a creeping or spreading growth habit.
• Reddish – green stem.
• Cold tolerant.
• Strong Aroma.

French Thyme Overview:

• Also called the Summer thyme.
• Grey-green, narrow and pointy leaves.
• Slow growing herb, with an upward growth.
• Reddish -green stem.
• Drought tolerant.
• Subtler Aroma and sweet tasting.

German Thyme Overview:

• Also called Winter thyme.
• Green rounded leaves, which are smaller than the leaves of English Thyme.
• Fast growing herb, with an upward growth and a hardy stem.
• Brown stem.
• Cold tolerant.
• Strong Aroma.