I recently got an email from an Epic Gardening reader with a familiar question. When I first started gardening and didn’t know how to start seeds, I had the same question:
Sally, that’s a great question! Knowing the answer will help you learn more about gardening and starting seeds in general, because it depends on an important idea: germination rates.
Thyme is a wonderfully aromatic herb that brings a depth of flavor to dishes. With its pretty flowers and hardy nature thyme is also a joy to grow. However many gardeners have questions when starting thyme from seed, namely – how many thyme seeds should you plant per pot? Proper seeding rates are important to get the right amount of seedlings without overcrowding. In this article, we’ll explore the ideal number of seeds to sow for thyme success.
Why Seeding Rate Matters for Thyme
You may be wondering if all those details about thyme seeds per pot really make a difference. Can’t you just sprinkle a bunch of seeds and see what happens? While that approach can work, being more precise with your seeding rate improves your odds of growing strong seedlings Here’s why it matters
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It prevents overcrowding. Too many seeds lead to crowded, spindly seedlings competing for resources.
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You can maximize germination rates by sowing the optimal number of seeds.
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Thinning is easier when seedlings are evenly spaced at the proper density.
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Resources like light, water and nutrients are better utilized for healthy growth.
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Uniform seedlings are easier to transplant with less root disturbance.
Recommended Seeding Rates for Thyme
So how many thyme seeds should you start with in each pot or cell? Here are my recommended best practices
Seeds Per Pellet
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Sow 2-3 seeds per pellet. This allows for some germination failure but avoids overplanting.
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Planting more than 3 seeds per pellet risks overcrowding.
Seeds Per Cell
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For small compartments like cells in a seedling tray, plant 3-4 seeds.
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Large compartments, like individual pots, can accommodate 4-6 seeds each.
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As a general rule, sow seeds spaced 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch apart in the soil.
Seeds Per Tray
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Use seed trays with at least 32 cells for optimal thyme germination rates.
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A standard 10×20 inch tray can hold 200-300 thyme seeds total.
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Larger compartments and pots will require fewer total seeds to fill available space.
Tips for Thyme Seeding Success
Now that we know how many seeds to sow, let’s look at some useful techniques for starting thyme right.
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Use fresh seeds each season for best germination rates. Stored thyme seeds lose viability over time.
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Prior to planting, soak seeds in lukewarm water overnight to promote germination.
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Sow seeds just 1⁄8 to 1⁄4 inch deep in moist seed starting mix. Cover lightly with soil.
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Maintain a soil temperature of 65-70°F for ideal thyme germination.
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Place seed trays in bright indirect light immediately after planting.
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Keep the soil moist but not saturated until seedlings emerge in 10-21 days.
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Prepare to thin overcrowded cells to the optimal 1-2 seedlings per cell or pot.
Providing the Best Growing Conditions
In addition to proper seeding techniques, creating the right conditions gives thyme the best chance to grow:
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Lighting: Thyme needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight or 12-16 hours under grow lights daily.
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Temperature: Daytime temperatures of 60-75°F are ideal. Cooler at night.
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Water: Water thoroughly after seeding, then allow the soil dry slightly between waterings.
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Air Circulation: Gentle airflow prevents disease and keeps humidity levels in check.
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Fertilizer: Apply half strength liquid fertilizer once true leaves emerge.
Avoiding Common Problems with Thyme Seeds
While thyme is not difficult to start from seed with the right techniques, there are some potential pitfalls to be aware of:
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Old Seeds: Thyme seeds over 3 years old may fail to germinate. Always start with fresh seeds each season.
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Improper Depth: Seeds sown too deep take longer to emerge and are prone to rotting. Sow just 1⁄4 inch deep.
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Overcrowding: Too many seeds leads to weak, spindly seedlings. Sow seeds 2-3 per cell, 4-6 per pot.
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Under watering: Thyme seeds and seedlings are prone to drying out. Maintain consistent moisture in the top 1⁄2 inch of soil.
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Damping Off Disease: Overwatering encourages fungal disease. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Caring for Thyme After Germination
Once your thyme sprouts, a little attentive care goes a long way:
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Thin overcrowded cells to 1-2 uniform seedlings per cell. Snip extra stems at soil level.
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Transplant thyme outdoors after frosts pass, spacing 12-15 inches apart in well-draining soil.
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Pinch off flower buds during the first year to promote leafy growth. Harvest lightly in year one.
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Water thyme 1 inch per week until established. Mature thyme is quite drought tolerant.
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Apply organic mulch like wood chips around thyme to retain moisture and discourage weeds.
By following the seeding rate guidelines and providing attentive care, your thyme will be ready to impart its wonderful flavor to your favorite recipes in no time!
Answer Two: Seedling Selection
Just as not all seeds are created equal from a germination standpoint, not all seeds germinate equally. Sometimes you have a seed that shoots off like a rocket and becomes too leggy. If this was the only seed in your insert, you’d be forced to use it.
You can pick the seedlings that look the strongest by planting two to three seeds in each cell. You just need to pick the one you like best and cut off the other seedlings to kill them while the ones you chose grow.
Answer One: Seed Germination Rates
Not all seeds are created equal. Some plant species have higher germination rates than others. Some seeds from the same type of plant are older than others, which slows down the rate at which they sprout.
Imagine you’re growing arugula microgreens and the average germination rate is 90%. Just 65 of the 72 plant inserts in a 72-plant starter tray will actually sprout if you plant one arugula seed in each one.
Now imagine you plant multiple seeds at three arugula seeds per insert. Every one of these seeds has a 10% chance of failing, which means the chance of all of them failing is only 20%. 1%. This means that you are 99. 9% likely to have the seeds in that cell germinate. So, in a tray with 72 inserts, it’s very unlikely that any seeds would not germinate, unless there are other things that stop seeds from germinating.
In short: Plant multiple seeds per hole to increase the chances you have perfect germination rates.
The Secret ️ to Starting Thyme Seeds (Higher Germination Rate!)
FAQ
How many thyme seeds are in one pot?
How to plant thyme seeds in a pot?
How many seeds should I put in one pot?
How many herb seeds to plant in a pot?
How do you grow Thyme Seeds?
Light: Thyme seeds need light to germinate, which is why they are sown on the surface of the soil and not covered. Placing the pots in a well-lit area, but out of direct sunlight, provides the seeds with the necessary light without the risk of overheating or drying out too quickly. Moisture: Consistent moisture is crucial for germination.
How many Thyme Seeds can you plant in a pot?
When sowing thyme seeds, timing is key as it is a plant that does best in cool temperatures. It’s also important to choose the right size container for your indoor potting needs—a six-inch pot should be enough for one or two plants.
How much thyme should I plant?
For thyme, try a 5-gallon size. You could get a couple of bushy plants in there! Next, park your thyme in a spot on your patio, deck or balcony that gets full sun at least 6-8 hours per day, if possible. What variety of thyme is best for cooking?
How far apart do thyme plants grow?
Thyme is a slow grower with shallow roots. You only need a container 6 inches deep and 12 inches in diameter to grow one nice plant. If you’d like to grow multiple varieties, plant them in a wider pot or raised bed and space them 12 inches apart. They’ll slowly grow together for a lovely thyme smorgasbord.
How do you grow Thyme in a pot?
To start, choose a pot that is at least six inches deep and has good drainage. The type of soil you use can also make a difference; it should be light and well-draining with plenty of organic matter. As for watering needs, thyme likes moist soil but not wet, so water when the top inch or two becomes dry.
How do I choose a thyme Pot?
To begin, it’s important to choose a pot with ample drainage holes and one that is not too large for the plant – if the pot is too big for the root system of your thyme plant, then it won’t be able to take up enough water or nutrients which can lead to root rot.