Silver Thyme
Eucalyptus gunnii
Small, silvery green leaves on well-branched stems are ideal for fresh or dried bouquets. Also known as cider gum, gum, and euc. Tender perennial in Zones 9-11.
Harvest
120-150d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
5–9
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Silver Thyme in USDA Zone 7
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Silver Thyme · Zones 5–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Drainage: Good Drainage. Growth rate: Rapid.
Harvesting
many-seeded capsule
Type: Capsule.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh silver thyme keeps best when stems are placed in water like cut flowers, then loosely covered with a plastic bag and refrigerated. This method maintains quality for 7-10 days. Alternatively, wrap unwashed stems in slightly damp paper towels and store in the refrigerator's crisper drawer for up to one week.
For long-term storage, air-drying preserves both flavor and the attractive variegated appearance. Bundle 4-6 stems together and hang in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Properly dried silver thyme retains excellent flavor for up to one year when stored in airtight containers.
Freezing works well for culinary use—strip leaves from stems and freeze in ice cube trays with olive oil or water. The variegated leaves lose their visual appeal when frozen but maintain their classic thyme flavor perfectly for cooking applications.
History & Origin
Origin: Philippines to Australia
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought
- +Attracts: Bees
- +Fast-growing
Considerations
- -Toxic (Bark, Leaves): High severity
- -Causes contact dermatitis
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Rosemary
Similar growing conditions, both repel cabbage moths and carrot flies
Lavender
Compatible Mediterranean herbs that deter pests and attract pollinators
Cabbage
Thyme repels cabbage worms and flea beetles that damage brassicas
Tomatoes
Thyme deters hornworms and aphids while improving tomato flavor
Strawberries
Thyme repels ants and improves strawberry flavor and growth
Carrots
Thyme repels carrot rust flies and other root vegetable pests
Eggplant
Thyme deters flea beetles that commonly attack eggplant leaves
Oregano
Compatible Mediterranean herbs with similar care needs and pest-repelling properties
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Releases juglone toxin that inhibits growth of most herbs including thyme
Mint
Aggressive spreader that competes for space and nutrients, different water needs
Cilantro
Requires more water and different growing conditions than drought-tolerant thyme
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #173470)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance, very hardy and pest resistant
Common Pests
Spider mites in hot, dry conditions, root rot if overwatered
Diseases
Root rot in poorly drained soil, generally very disease resistant