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Growing requirements from the plant library. Cultivar and local conditions can change the details.

Care decision	Common thymeThymus vulgaris
Light	Full sun; at least 6 hours of direct light outdoors.
Water	Water during establishment and prolonged dryness; pots need checking, but saturated roots are a major risk.
Soil & growing mix	Light, well-drained soil; tolerates dry, sandy or rocky conditions and modest fertility.
Mature size	Usually 6–12 inches tall and 6–16 inches wide, depending on cultivar. NC State.
Growing season	Woody perennial; strongest leaf harvest during active growth, with spring or summer flowers.
Winter & climate	NC State lists USDA zones 5–9; cultivar, winter wetness and container exposure affect survival. NC State.
Container fit	Well suited to containers. Check mature size and root-space guidance in the reference.
Place & variety	This is common culinary thyme, Thymus vulgaris. Groundcover thymes and lemon-scented selections differ in habit and sometimes hardiness. A cold-tolerant thyme can still fail in wet soil or an exposed pot.
Equipment to consider	Choose equipment after reading the care reference.
Evidence & next steps	Herb gardens guides → Thyme and oregano: compare drainage, growth and harvest habits How to choose grow lights without shopping by lumens Indoor Culinary Herbs: Plan for a Realistic Harvest Read the growing reference NC State Extension: common thyme RHS: grow thyme

These facts help compare choices. They do not establish that plants can share a pot, watering circuit or outdoor site. Check the full reference and local suitability before planting.

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