Lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus) is a perennial herb that is popular as a decorative groundcover and as a flavorful additive to various dishes. This sub-shrub has distinct citrus-scented foliage. Its refreshing aroma comes from its high citral content, which distinguishes it from common thyme (Thymus vulgaris), which is dominated by thymol.
Sourcing Lemon Thyme as a Live Plant or Seed
Lemon thyme is typically acquired as an established plant rather than from seed. Local nurseries and garden centers are the most reliable sources for purchasing live plants, often available in small pots or plug trays. These retailers typically stock plants in the spring and early summer, which is the best time to plant them outdoors after the last spring frost for successful establishment.
For gardeners seeking specific or unusual varieties, such as the variegated Thymus citriodorus ‘Silver Queen,’ online specialty nurseries are a better resource. Online specialty nurseries ship established plants directly, offering a wider selection of named cultivars than local stores. While lemon thyme can be grown from seed, this method is less common because it can be challenging. The seeds require light to germinate and are best started indoors several weeks before the final frost. Seed packets are primarily found through online seed catalogs, where they are typically listed as heirloom or open-pollinated varieties.
Locating Fresh and Dried Culinary Lemon Thyme
Lemon thyme is available for culinary use as fresh sprigs or in dried form. Fresh cut sprigs are usually found in the produce section of conventional grocery stores, often grouped with other culinary herbs like basil and mint. However, fresh lemon thyme’s availability can be inconsistent compared to more common herbs, meaning shoppers may not always find it on a regular supermarket run.
Farmers markets are an excellent place to find fresh lemon thyme, as growers often sell sprigs harvested only hours before sale, maximizing the herb’s volatile oils and flavor. For the dried form, while small jars are available in the spice aisle of any supermarket, bulk spice shops and health food stores often offer better quality. Dried herbs lose their potency over time as essential oils evaporate. Bulk suppliers typically have a faster product turnover, ensuring a fresher and more aromatic dried herb than those sitting on standard supermarket shelves.
Identifying Quality and Variety
Quality evaluation requires both visual and olfactory checks, regardless of the form. When selecting a live plant or fresh sprigs, look for vibrant, deep green leaves that are firmly attached to the stem. Avoid any bundles with black spots or signs of wilting. A simple touch-and-sniff test is highly effective; a healthy plant or fresh sprig should release a strong, bright lemon scent immediately upon being brushed or crushed.
High-quality dried lemon thyme should still have a strong, characteristic scent. The leaves should retain a dark green-to-grayish-green color without excessive dust or large, woody stem pieces. Buyers should always check the labeling to ensure they are purchasing the correct herb, as some decorative thyme varieties may be mistakenly sold as the culinary type.