RAINBOW THYME

Rainbow thyme is a perennial aromatic and medicinal plant growing 20 to 40 cm tall, forming a dense turf with small, oblong-lanceolate leaves. The leaves are dark green on top and grayish-purple underneath, covered with sparse glands 5–10 mm long, giving the plant a characteristic aroma.

From full emergence to the last harvest (about 150 days), the plant produces light pink corymbous inflorescences. Yield of green mass per plant is approximately 50 g. Thyme prefers light loamy soils, but is drought-resistant and winter-hardy, making it convenient to grow in a garden as both a decorative and vegetable plant.

Leaves and shoots are used fresh and dried: they add aroma and flavor to dishes and sauces, aid in pickling vegetables and preparing beverages. Due to the content of essential oil, mineral salts (Mg, K, Ca), ascorbic acid, and flavonoids, thyme has antiseptic and disinfecting properties, is often included in chest collections and folk medicine for strengthening memory. Reproduction method – seed and vegetative, and the harvesting period falls in June–July when the plant is flowering.