How to grow thyme? A detailed explanation of the differences from orange jessamine
Thyme, also known as mountain pepper and ground pepper, is a plant commonly found in gullies, valleys and weeds. Because its fragrance is rich but not overpowering and it has high ornamental value, it is deeply loved by consumers. So how do you grow thyme? What is the difference between it and orange jessamine?
1. Introduction to thyme:
1. What is thyme?
Thyme is a semi-shrub plant. Its leaves are ovate, and its inflorescence is head-shaped. It usually blooms from July to August, with flowers in purple, light purple, pink, purplish red and so on. Its fruit is ovate or nearly round. It can be used as a cooking spice and is often used to stew meat or make soup.
2. What is the flower language of thyme?
The courage to face difficulties, a strong sense of self-esteem, being very rational, good fortune, nobility, and peace and smoothness.
2. How do you grow thyme?
1. Soil requirements: What kind of soil is suitable for planting?
Thyme is suitable for growing in calcareous soil that is loose and fertile, has sufficient light and drains well. Therefore, when choosing a site, try to plant it on sunny mountain land, in valleys, gullies or beside roads.
2. Temperature requirements: How many degrees are good for growth?
Thyme likes to grow in a warm environment, and generally grows best at 20-25 degrees, so in summer it should be moved to a shady place, and in winter it is best to take good measures to keep it warm. If summer is really too hot, you can sprinkle some water on the potting soil and around the flower pot to increase indoor humidity.
3. Light requirements: Can it be exposed to direct sunlight?
Thyme likes light but is not tolerant of strong light, so in summer when there is strong direct sunlight, it should be properly shaded to avoid scorching. In winter, give it as much light as possible.
4. Water requirements: How should it be watered?
Thyme does not have high water requirements. Generally, it can grow well when the potting soil is half dry. However, after planting and during the growth period, it should be watered once a month to ensure sufficient moisture. At the same time, timely cultivating and loosening the soil are also needed to ensure good soil aeration.
5. Fertilizer requirements: How should it be fertilized?
Thyme does not have high fertilizer requirements. Generally, after new buds open, apply a thin liquid fertilizer about once every 12 days. Stop fertilizing in summer. Before winter, according to the plant's growth condition, apply about 5 kg of urea 1-2 times per mu of land.
6. Pruning and shaping: How should it be pruned?
During the growth period of thyme, pinching can be used to promote branch growth. At the same time, prune timely according to the tree shape to improve the internal air circulation of the plant. When pruning, try not to cut into the woody part, so as not to affect the growth of new buds.
3. What is the difference between thyme and orange jessamine?
Difference 1, different alias names: Thyme is also known as ground pepper, mountain pepper, mountain pepper, ground pepper, musk herb and so on; orange jessamine is also known as qilixiang, jiuqiuxiang, guoshanxiang, wanlixiang, yueju, qingmuxiang, huangjingui and so on.
Difference 2, different families and genera: Thyme belongs to the semi-shrub plant Thymus vulgaris of the genus Thymus, tribe Mentheae, family Lamiaceae, order Lamiales; orange jessamine belongs to the small tree or shrub plant Murraya paniculata of the genus Murraya, subfamily Aurantioideae, family Rutaceae, order Sapindales.
Difference 3, different appearance: Thyme leaves are ovate, the inflorescence is head-shaped, the calyx is tubular-bell-shaped or narrowly bell-shaped, the corolla is purplish red, purple or light purple, or pink, the flowering period is July to August, and the nutlets are nearly round or ovate. Orange jessamine leaves are ovate or oddly lanceolate, the inflorescences are axillary and terminal, the calyx lobes are ovate, the flowering period is April to September, and the fruiting period is September to December. The fruit is narrowly elliptic.
Difference 4, different distribution ranges: Thyme is mostly distributed in Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Gansu and other places. It mostly grows in valleys, gullies, roadsides, rocky mountain land, slopes and among weeds; orange jessamine is mostly distributed in Hainan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan, Hunan and other places, and is also distributed abroad in Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and other places. It mostly grows on dry slopes and in open woodlands.
Difference 5, different effects: Thyme tastes sweet, like an herbal flavor, and has the effects of dispelling wind, relieving spasms and strengthening the body. It can treat conditions such as sore and swollen throat, cough with phlegm, toothache and cold pain in the stomach; orange jessamine has the effects of promoting qi and relieving pain, and invigorating blood and dispersing stasis. It can treat stomach pain, rheumatic arthralgia, traumatic injuries and other conditions.
Overall, thyme is very easy to grow. It can grow well as long as water, fertilizer and light are managed well. In addition, although it differs from orange jessamine by only one character, there are still certain differences in family and genus, appearance and distribution range, so do not keep confusing the two. If you really cannot tell them apart, you can identify them according to the few small methods above.