French Thyme

French Thyme is a narrow-leaf selection of common thyme, Thymus vulgaris, prized by cooks for its sweeter, more refined flavor and considered the classic thyme of French cuisine. Compared with English Thyme it has narrower, more pointed gray-green leaves, a slightly more delicate habit, and a milder, sweeter aroma favored for fines herbes and bouquet garni. The plant is a low woody evergreen subshrub reaching 6 to 12 inches tall with a mounding form and small pale lavender flowers in summer. It is somewhat less cold hardy than English Thyme, performing best in USDA zones 6 to 9, and demands full sun and excellent drainage, resenting wet or heavy soils. French Thyme is usually grown from cuttings or division to keep its flavor true, though it can be raised from seed. It is a gourmet favorite for its elegant taste.