Thymus mongolicus Seeds | Mongolian Thyme
LATIN NAME: Thymus mongolicus
COMMON NAME: Mongolian Thyme
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Mongolian Thyme (Thymus mongolicus) is a fine, generous ground cover in the mint family. Mongolian thyme is a low, mat-forming, aromatic shrub of dry grasslands of Central Asia, one of tough, fragrant little plants of open steppe. Wiry, much-branched stems hug ground and carry small, narrow, grey-green leaves with fine, warm, spicy scent, and small, pink to purple flowers open in tight whorls through the summer. Plant is a fine, generous ground cover of dry, sunny garden, and leaves have a long record of use in teas and seasonings of steppe households. Pollinating insects take to the flowers at once, adding a little wildlife interest to its garden value. In combination, these characteristics make a persuasive case for growing it.
Science & Biotechnology
Thymus mongolicus sits in the mint family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. The Mongolian thyme is a regular figure in studies of small, narrow, grey-green leaves and fine, warm, spicy scent. Breeders and collectors still work with it, so well-kept seed remains available.
Uses & Benefits
Mongolian Thyme brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. The Mongolian thyme is a small plant with a long list of uses. Leaves have a long record of use in teas and seasonings of steppe households, and small, pink to purple flowers draw bees of the summer. Mongolian thyme is one of tough, fragrant little plants of open steppe, and low, mat-forming shrub is a fine, easy ground cover of dry, sunny garden, rockery and path edge. Routine care after establishment is refreshingly light.
Thyme is medicine disguised as seasoning: thymol, its signature compound, is a proven antiseptic in mouthwashes, and thyme preparations are official in Europe for bronchial coughs; the garden thymes are equally good bee plants.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Mongolian Thyme, and the process is uncomplicated. Scatter the seed evenly over a loose seed compost, cover to no more than its own depth, and keep the pot moist and bright. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Its long record of traditional use, described above, gives the plant a story beyond ornament. Mongolian Thyme settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Give the seed freshness and steady moisture, and nature handles the rest.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Mongolian Thyme often pair it with these related subjects: