Sassy™ Thyme

Sassy Thyme (Thymus vulgaris 'WT03') is a tough, low growing thyme bred by Ozbreed to cook with and to look at. It forms a spreading mat 10cm to 15cm high and 30cm to 40cm wide, with delicate flowers in summer and foliage that turns purple to red over winter. The aroma is rich and earthy, and the flavour is a super strong, peppery thyme.

Why you'll love it

• Ornamental and edible. It looks good enough for a border and is one of the more useful plants in a kitchen garden.
• Winter colour. The foliage often turns purple to red over winter, which gives the garden contrast in the cooler months.
• Super strong flavour. A robust, spicy, peppery thyme with a stronger scent than most.
• Delicate summer flowers. Small flowers appear in summer and feed bees.
• A tough perennial. It lasts for years once it is settled, and can be planted at almost any time of year.

Where it works best

Edges and rockeries. Plant 30cm apart along a sunny path edge or among stones. The mats knit together and spill over the edges.

Herb beds and kitchen gardens. Grow it in full sun to light shade, in well drained soil, where you can reach it with scissors.

Pots and troughs. The low habit suits a shallow pot or trough, with a free draining mix.

In the kitchen. Ozbreed warns that it is too strong for salads. In cooked dishes the robust, spicy, peppery flavours come through, adding rich and powerful thyme to your cooking.

Growing Sassy Thyme in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to light shade. It can be planted year round, though spring, summer and early autumn are best. Thyme is hardy in frost and suits temperate and Mediterranean gardens. In humid summers, drainage and airflow matter most.

Soil. It needs well drained soil. A gritty mix, a raised bed or a pot suits it, and wet winter roots are the main way thyme is lost.

Water and feed. Water as required, letting the soil dry out between waterings, and avoid over watering, particularly in winter. In spring and autumn, if required, apply a slow release fertiliser or work compost into the soil.

Pruning and harvest. Pick sprigs as you need them. After flowering, trim lightly over the whole mat to keep it dense, and never cut into bare woody stems, which rarely reshoot.

What to expect when it arrives

We list Sassy Thyme in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Stock comes from Ozbreed's licensed growers and is not always available, so a size shows as sold out when no grower has it. The notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Edible plants and bush tucker
• Plants for rockeries and dry beds
• Growing a successful fruit and vegetable garden
• See the full Ozbreed range

Common questions

Can I use it in salads?

Ozbreed says it is too strong for salads. Use it in cooked dishes, where its peppery flavour comes through.

Why do the leaves change colour?

The foliage often turns purple to red over winter, which is normal for this selection, and it greens up again as the weather warms.

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 30cm apart. It reaches 30cm to 40cm wide.