Orange Thyme

Open-Pollinated | Tender Perennial | Sweet Citrus Twist

Add a little zing to your herb garden with Orange Thyme, a classic-looking thyme that swaps the usual earthy notes for a sharp, citrusy kick. This minty-orange wonder is a flavor bomb, perfect for brightening up cocktails, roasts, and any dish that could use a sweet, herbal pop.

Orange Thyme grows in neat, upright clumps with soft gray-green leaves. She’s not as pungent as your typical German Winter or Summer thyme, but she’s got her own vibe: sweeter, brighter, and totally unique. This tender perennial is happiest in Zones 6–8 (that's us, SC!), and she’s a dream in containers if you’re short on garden space.

Whether you’re adding her to roasted chicken, garnishing a salad, or just brushing by for that fresh citrus scent, Orange Thyme is your new kitchen garden secret.

Quick Facts

• Type: Open-pollinated, tender perennial (Zones 6–8)

• Height at Maturity:  Compact and tidy

• Flavor: Sweet, minty, and citrus-like

• Best For: Containers, raised beds, drinks, bright salads, and fresh summer dishes

Care Tips

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade — afternoon shade helps in hot climates

• Soil: Light, dry, and well-draining

• Water: Keep her on the dry side; she doesn’t want to be soaked

• Spacing: Plant 6–8" apart for good airflow and happy growth

• Harvest: Snip a few stems the first year; after that, cut back just as flowers start to pop
  
  

• Support: None needed, she’s low maintenance and self-supporting