Thyme is a hardy herb that can withstand pruning and will grow back after cutting. In fact, regular pruning is beneficial for thyme as it helps to keep the plant compact and encourages fresh growth.
When you trim thyme after it has finished flowering, it stimulates the plant to produce new leaves and promotes bushiness. It’s best to use shears or secateurs to trim the leafy stems rather than cutting back into the older part of the stems. This ensures that the plant remains healthy and avoids any damage to the woody base.
I have personally found that trimming thyme after flowering not only helps to maintain its shape but also encourages the production of more fragrant leaves. The fresh growth that emerges after pruning is often more tender and flavorful, making it perfect for culinary use.
If left untrimmed, thyme will eventually become straggly and woody at the base. This can affect its overall appearance and health. Regular pruning, on the other hand, keeps the plant looking neat and tidy while also preventing it from becoming unruly.
In my experience, thyme is quite resilient and will readily grow back even after a hard pruning. As long as you avoid cutting into the older parts of the stems and focus on trimming the leafy growth, the plant should bounce back with vigor.
To summarize, thyme will indeed grow back after cutting. Regular pruning after flowering helps to maintain its compact and bushy form, encourages fresh growth, and ensures a steady supply of flavorful leaves. So don’t hesitate to give your thyme plant a trim to keep it healthy and thriving.
