If you want a perennial ground cover plant that can handle drought, is evergreen, and doesn’t need much care, look no further than Thymus Serpyllum seeds! They make a great hardy ground cover that you can plant right in the garden or border! Creeping Thyme plants are only 4 to 6 inches tall and have 1/4-inch bell-shaped flowers that are a beautiful shade of carmine pink for months on end. Butterfly and bees love it, and you will too! In no time at all, the creeping thyme will grow to be 18 inches wide. Grow in well-drained neutal to alkaline soil in full sun. After flowering, cut vigorous thymes back hard to maintain compactness. In an alpine house, use equal parts loam, leaf mould, and grit.
Creeping Thyme does well in sunny beds, borders, rock gardens, and spilling over rock walls. It is lemon-scented, with fine dark green foliage and slightly hairy leaves.
Creeping thyme is a fragrant hardy herb that makes a gorgeous groundcover or lawn alternative. With its tiny leaves and purple flowers this plant releases a lovely minty aroma when stepped on. If you want to grow your own carpet of creeping thyme from seeds, you may be wondering when is the optimal time to sow them.
An Overview of Creeping Thyme
With over 350 species thyme comes in many forms but creeping thyme (Thymus praecox) is a low-growing variety that tends to hug the ground. Unlike its upright cousins, this thyme spreads via stems that creep along the soil. Given the right conditions, it will readily form a dense, weed-suppressing mat.
Creeping thyme thrives in zones 4-9 It can tolerate some foot traffic and doesn’t require mowing The plant is also drought-tolerant and needs little fertilization. Deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone.
In spring, small lavender flowers appear, attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees. The foliage emits a pleasant, mild fragrance, especially when walked upon. Culinary varieties like creeping lemon thyme can be used for cooking.
When to Sow Creeping Thyme Seeds Outdoors
Creeping thyme can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or transplants. Starting from seed takes patience but allows you to grow a thyme lawn more affordably.
The ideal time to sow creeping thyme seeds directly outdoors is in late spring when soil temperatures reach at least 65-70°F. This usually occurs 4-6 weeks after your region’s average last spring frost date.
Wait too long after the last frost and temperatures may quickly climb into the 80s and 90s, which can hinder germination. Creeping thyme prefers cooler temperatures.
Follow these tips when sowing creeping thyme seeds outdoors:
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Prepare the soil by loosening and mixing in 1-2 inches of compost or aged manure to improve drainage. Creeping thyme thrives in well-drained soil.
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Sow seeds close together in rows or broadcast them over the prepared soil. Cover very lightly with 1/8 inch of soil or simply press into the soil surface.
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Water gently daily until seedlings emerge, which can take 14-28 days.
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Once seedlings reach 2 inches, thin to 6-12 inches apart.
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Install a thin layer of organic mulch like grass clippings or straw to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
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Water when the first 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Avoid overwatering.
Starting Creeping Thyme Seeds Indoors
For a head start, you can begin creeping thyme seeds indoors up to 10 weeks before your region’s last expected spring frost.
Follow these tips for starting creeping thyme seeds indoors:
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Sow seeds in sterile seed starting mix. Cover lightly or simply press into the mix.
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Maintain a temperature between 60-70°F.
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Keep the soil evenly moist but not soaked.
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Once sprouted, move seedlings under grow lights, maintaining 14-16 hours of daily light.
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When the first set of true leaves emerge, transplant each seedling into its own container.
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Gradually expose plants to outdoor conditions over 7-14 days (hardening off) before transplanting them outside after all danger of frost.
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Space transplants 8-12 inches apart into prepared garden beds. Water after planting and as needed while plants establish.
No matter if you direct sow outdoors or start indoors, it’s best to get creeping thyme planted in spring. Fall planting is not recommended because the plants need time to establish before cold weather arrives. Well-established creeping thyme may continue spreading in fall but don’t expect quick results from newly planted seeds or transplants.
Growing Creeping Thyme in Warm Climates
In hot regions, creeping thyme will appreciate some respite from intense summer heat. Consider planting in part shade or areas with afternoon shade. You can also sow seeds in late summer or early fall for establishment before winter dormancy. Just be sure to plant at least 6 weeks before your first expected fall frost.
Mulching around plants can help retain moisture during dry periods. Avoid heavy fertilization which can make plants more prone to drought stress. In very hot climates, creeping thyme may go dormant in summer heat, recovering when temperatures cool.
Ongoing Care for Creeping Thyme Lawns
Once established, a creeping thyme lawn requires minimal care:
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Water during extended dry periods but avoid overwatering. Established creeping thyme is quite drought-tolerant.
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Fertilize sparingly, if at all. Excess nitrogen can lead to floppy growth.
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Shear back plants by up to one third after flowering to encourage thick growth.
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In cold zones, apply winter mulch after the ground freezes to prevent frost heave.
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Monitor for weeds and pluck them when small. Reseed bare patches.
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Aerate compacted areas and top dress with a thin layer of compost.
Taking a bit of time to properly prepare the seedbed and care for young plants will pay off. In its first year, creeping thyme will establish an attractive groundcover. Over the next 1-2 years, it will spread out and develop into a gorgeous, fragrant thyme lawn that requires hardly any mowing or watering.
Where to Buy Creeping Thyme Seeds
When purchasing creeping thyme seeds, look for named cultivars like ‘Pink Chintz’ or ‘Coccineus’ rather than generic “creeping thyme” seed. Reputable sources include:
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Botanical Interests – Sells individual varieties like Magic Carpet or Pink Chintz.
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Sow True Seed – Offers Creeping Thyme seeds and Mother of Thyme.
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Mountain Valley Growers – Sells seeds of creeping thyme varieties like ‘Pink Chintz’ and ‘Coccineus.’
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Outsidepride – Offers creeping thyme seeds by the ounce or pound, such as lemon thyme.
When shopping for creeping thyme seeds, choose a reputable company and variety suited to your climate. Then follow the planting guidelines above to grow a beautiful and fragrant thyme lawn. With proper care, you’ll enjoy this hardy groundcover for years to come.
Creeping Thyme Seeds – Serpyllum 1 OZ ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 17.99 1/8 LB ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 399 1/2 LB ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 137.99 1 LB ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2799
4 – 6 inches
Full sun to partial shade
Well-drained, pH 5.8 – 6.8
14 – 21 days
Do not cover the seed but press into the soil
Plant creeping thyme seed at 1/8 lb per 5,000 square feet
Keep seeds moist until germination
6 – 12 inches
If you want a perennial ground cover plant that can handle drought, is evergreen, and doesn’t need much care, look no further than Thymus Serpyllum seeds! They make a great hardy ground cover that you can plant right in the garden or border! Creeping Thyme plants are only 4 to 6 inches tall and have 1/4-inch bell-shaped flowers that are a beautiful shade of carmine pink for months on end. Butterfly and bees love it, and you will too! In no time at all, the creeping thyme will grow to be 18 inches wide. Grow in well-drained neutal to alkaline soil in full sun. After flowering, cut vigorous thymes back hard to maintain compactness. In an alpine house, use equal parts loam, leaf mould, and grit.
Approximately 2,700,000 seeds per pound.
Creeping Thyme does well in sunny beds, borders, rock gardens, and spilling over rock walls. It is lemon-scented, with fine dark green foliage and slightly hairy leaves.
Planting Creeping Thyme
FAQ
Can I just scatter creeping thyme seeds?
What month do you plant thyme seeds?
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Plant name
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Zone
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Start seeds outdoors (spring/fall)
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Thyme
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5a
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March 15-April 1
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Thyme
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5b
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March 15-April 1
|
|
Thyme
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6a
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March 15-April 1
|
|
Thyme
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6b
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March 15-April 1
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Is creeping thyme hard to grow from seed?
Should I soak creeping thyme seeds before planting?
When can I plant creeping thyme seeds?
Direct sow seeds outdoors in late spring when temperatures are consistently in the high 60’s or above. Seeds can also be started indoors 8-10 weeks before your average last frost date. Creeping Thyme prefers well drained soil with a neutral pH (between 6.5 and 7.5) in an area where it receives good sun, but can also tolerate partial shade.
How do you grow creeping thyme?
Creeping Thyme prefers well drained soil with a neutral pH (between 6.5 and 7.5) in an area where it receives good sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. Creeping thyme is a slow grower and will take more than one season to reach its full potential. Creeping Thyme seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting.
When does creeping thyme flower?
On mature plants, flowers usually appear in late spring and early summer. Plant creeping thyme from seeds or potted nursery starts in the spring. In its first year, it’s a slow-to-moderate grower, but once it’s established, it will spread quicker in subsequent years.
Can creeping thyme grow together?
Creeping thyme plants can grow as individual plants, but they look even more bewitching when planted together as a flowering groundcover or lawn alternative. When growing multiple creeping thyme plants together, space them about 12 inches apart so they have plenty of room to grow.