Why is my Mother of Thyme not flowering?

Check these first

1. Observe the amount of direct sun your plant receives throughout the day.
2. Check for any nearby plants that might be shading your thyme.
3. Inspect the soil for signs of over fertilization.

Likely causes

1. Insufficient Light

   Most likely

   How to tell: The plant looks stretched out or thin and fails to produce the dense mat of flowers expected in summer.

   What to do: Move your thyme to a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun every day. If your garden is too shaded, consider pruning back nearby shrubs to open up the canopy.

2. Excessive Nitrogen

   Possible

   How to tell: The plant has lush, dark green foliage but no flower buds appear during the peak blooming season.

   What to do: Stop using any high nitrogen fertilizers immediately. Thyme prefers poor, rocky soil and does not need extra food to bloom well.

Other plants that won't flower

When to worry

If your plant is in full sun and still not blooming after two full seasons, it may be an older plant that needs dividing. It is normal for young plants to focus on root and foliage growth before their first bloom cycle.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your thyme in a sunny, well drained spot and avoid adding compost or fertilizer to the soil.

Questions people ask

Does Mother of Thyme need fertilizer to bloom?

No, it actually prefers lean soil. Fertilizer often encourages leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Will my thyme bloom in the shade?

It is unlikely. This plant requires full sun to produce its signature carpet of flowers.

More problems with Mother of Thyme

• Why is my Mother of Thyme rotting at the base?
• Why is my Mother of Thyme growing long and leggy?
• Why are the leaves on my Mother of Thyme turning yellow?
• Why are my Mother of Thyme leaves getting brown tips?
• Why is my Mother of Thyme drooping?
• Why is my Mother of Thyme losing its leaves?