Organic Gardening in August

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Written By Sally Eberhardtv

Native Thyme 

Prostanthera incisa 

This easy-to-grow native herb packs a punch of flavour all year round. 

Native Thyme (aka. Cut-leaf Mint Bush) is a type of native mint once used as a medicinal herb, but is now more often found in cooking and herbal teas. It’s a highly aromatic shrub, rich in essential oils, and is a new favourite amongst bush tucker chefs.  

The complex flavour of mint with hints of citrus, pepper and earthy tones, makes it the perfect herb to compliment chicken, fish, emu, kangaroo and lamb dishes. Both the leaves and small purple flowers are edible and may be steeped in hot water to make a herbal tisane.

How to Grow and Care for Native Thyme at Home

Try to grow native thyme (or any plant you eat) away from sources of pollution such as busy roads as pollutants on the surface of leaves may leech into your food or water. 

This species prefers warmth and moisture. Grow in full sun or part-shade, in freely draining soil, and water twice weekly in summer. 

Native thyme grows fast, reaching up to 2m tall and wide, but can be kept in a pot with regular pruning. It’s a great evergreen shrub for gaps, hedges, screens, ornamental features or posies. 

Isn’t it about time you grew Native Thyme?

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