I’ve had some experience growing thyme in my garden, and I can tell you that temperature plays a crucial role in its survival. Thyme is generally a hardy herb that can withstand a range of temperatures, but there is a limit to how cold it can tolerate.
In terms of ideal growing conditions, thyme thrives in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). This temperature range provides the optimal conditions for growth, allowing the herb to flourish and produce abundant foliage.
However, when it comes to freezing temperatures, thyme is not as resilient. While many thyme varieties are cold hardy and can survive temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C), it’s important to note that freezing temperatures will cause the plant to go dormant and stop growing.
When thyme is exposed to freezing temperatures, it will typically die back, meaning the foliage will wither and turn brown. This is a natural response to the cold, as the plant redirects its resources to survive the harsh conditions. Although the top growth may die back, the root system of thyme is often hardy enough to survive the winter and regrow when temperatures warm up.
In my experience, I’ve noticed that thyme can handle a few light frosts without significant damage. However, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures or severe frost can cause more harm and potentially kill the plant. It’s important to protect thyme during periods of extreme cold by covering it with a frost cloth or bringing potted plants indoors.
To summarize, thyme can survive freezing temperatures to some extent, but it will go dormant and stop growing in response to the cold. While it may withstand temperatures as low as -30°F, it’s best to provide some protection during severe freeze events to ensure the plant’s survival.