Can you grow red creeping thyme from seeds?
Creeping thyme can be direct sown, but I would highly recommend starting it indoors instead. The seeds (and seedlings) are teeny tiny and they and their equally tiny root systems need to be kept moist for weeks as they germinate and as the seedlings to become established. Plant 2-3 seeds deep per cell or about 5-6 seeds per square inch as a light seeding, eventually thinning out the strongest starts once true leaves emerge. Like many perennial herbs, thyme is known to be fairly delicate as a seedling, germinating anywhere from 14-28 days.Thyme is a hardy perennial herb that can be planted in August for a fall harvest and beyond. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Sow thyme seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly cover them, or plant thyme transplants 12 inches apart.Thyme grows very slowly from seed and after planting, germination can take up to 28 days. Because of this, it is usually grown from divisions or cuttings. If planting from seed, begin thyme indoors and scatter the seeds on top of the soil and do not cover them or only cover them lightly.Creeping thyme is a perennial, meaning it will come back on its own every year. How quickly do creeping thyme plants spread?Aesthetic appeal: From delicate blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white to vibrant green foliage, Creeping Thyme adds visual interest to any garden setting.
Does red creeping thyme spread quickly?
A perfect choice for garden borders and walkways, common creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) produces an abundance of pinkish-purple flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. This ground-hugging plant rarely grows over 3 inches high and can quickly spread over 12 inches wide. Doone Valley Thyme is one of our favorite ground cover thymes but again it is a bit taller at about four inches with flowers. Loveyanus Thyme is amazingly beautiful in large spaces. It has the largest flower of all the thymes and works well planted with other ground covers like Erigeron and Creeping Golden Marjoram.Chives, cilantro, and basil are not ideal companion plants for thyme because they have different growing requirements and may compete for the same nutrients in the soil.Thyme is another herb to plant with rosemary in your garden as a companion plant. Not only do these two herbs go together in your meals, but they also go together to protect your garden with their attributes. Rosemary repels insects from feasting on your plants while thyme acts as a cabbage worm deterrent.Attracts / Repels: Thyme deters cabbage looper, cabbage maggot, cabbageworm, corn earworm, tomato hornworm, and whiteflies. The flowers are rich in nectar and attract butterflies and bees. Companions: Thyme is a good companion to most vegetables, including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and tomatoes.Creeping thyme can be a great ground cover and pairs well with other herbs like rosemary and sage. Just ensure they share similar growing conditions.
How quickly does red creeping thyme grow?
Creeping thyme takes a while to become established, and the plants usually don’t grow much during their first year. However, established plants can spread quickly and stretch 12 to 18 inches wide by their third year. Creeping thymes are not picky about soil and thrive in drier locations and less fertile conditions. Like many plants in the Thymus genus, they do well on thin soil, xeriscapes, and rocky areas where others struggle.Creeping thyme is relatively disease-resistant, but root rot can be a common issue. Root rot can occur when overwatered or planted in poorly drained areas, says Abdi.What Does Creeping Thyme Look Like in Winter? In mild climates, Creeping Thyme often remains evergreen, with its foliage staying low and close to the ground. In colder regions, it may turn brown or go dormant, but will regrow from the roots in spring.Sprinkling seed of creeping thyme on the ground is rarely successful, although raising plants from seed in pots or trays under cover is a good way to produce a large quantity of plants.
Where does red creeping thyme grow best?
Location: Red Creeping Thyme thrives in full sun and well-drained areas such as rock gardens, paths, slopes, or gravel beds. Choose a site with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Soil: Prefers sandy or rocky soils with a neutral to alkaline pH (6. Planting in the ground – choose a warm, sunny planting location in light, well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy or stays quite damp, especially in winter, then plant thyme in a container or raised bed instead, where drainage will be better.Creeping Thyme is not considered invasive. It spreads by stems rooting at contact points with the soil, but this spread is manageable. While it can fill in areas quickly, it typically stays within a defined area of 60-80 cm wide. Moreover, it doesn’t aggressively spread via seeds or runners.Overwintering: In temperate climates, creeping thyme will usually remain evergreen throughout the winter. In regions where winters are cold, plants may lose their foliage, but it will quickly grow back the following spring.To prevent frost or freeze damage during the winter months, cover creeping thyme with several inches of a loose mulch, such as leaf mold. This can help prevent frost heaving of the plant’s shallow root system.Creeping Thyme is a perennial herb which will over-winter well in zones 4-9. Direct sow seeds outdoors in late spring when temperatures are consistently in the high 60’s or above.
Can I plant creeping thyme in the fall?
Creeping thyme can be planted in early spring or fall, depending on where you live. In areas with mild winter conditions, creeping thyme can be planted in the fall, as long as temperatures remain above freezing. In areas with more severe winters, wait until spring to plant creeping thyme. Although a variety of herbs (and even flowers, like marigolds and nasturtiums) can often be planted together, certain kinds like parsley, cilantro, tarragon, basil and chives prefer a more moist soil, and should not be planted directly with thyme.Chives, cilantro, and basil are not ideal companion plants for thyme because they have different growing requirements and may compete for the same nutrients in the soil. However, it’s important to note that not all companion planting recommendations are backed by scientific evidence.Herbs with the same growing requirements, such as oregano, lavender and sage, however, are excellent companions to thyme. However, plants that have dissimilar growing requirements are not a good idea to plant together. Don’t grow thyme near plants that require lots of water and consistently moist soil.Thyme, particularly variegated varieties like ‘Doone Valley’, silver thyme and lemon thyme, works nicely in fall plantings, where their fine leaves and low-growing habit works best at the front of your design. Success with herbs planted in fall depends on providing them with good drainage.
Will creeping thyme choke out weeds?
Whether it’s Wooly, Red, or Lemon, thyme (Thymus) is an amazing ground cover for suppressing weeds. It grows densely, like a thick mat, crowding out unwanted weeds as it spreads. It’s beautiful, too! The foliage comes in a variety of textures and colors, plus, it’s fragrant to the touch. Creeping thyme has a spicy fragrance making it an excellent choice for s sensory garden and may be used as a lawn substitute or to fill in between pavers. Although it is a member of the thyme family, it is rarely used as a culinary herb. It attracts bees and butterflies and is deer and rabbit resistant.Pollinator-Friendly Gardens. If you’re looking for red creeping thyme plant ideas to attract beneficial insects, this plant is an excellent choice. Its delicate yet abundant flowers draw bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, promoting a thriving ecosystem in your garden.Planting. Location: Red Creeping Thyme thrives in full sun and well-drained areas such as rock gardens, paths, slopes, or gravel beds. Choose a site with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Soil: Prefers sandy or rocky soils with a neutral to alkaline pH (6.Thyme, including red creeping thyme possesses excellent mosquito-repelling properties. The secret is to crush the leaves to release the volatile oils. You can simply place crushed stems around outdoor seating areas or rub the leaves on skin or clothing.Creeping thyme has a spicy fragrance making it an excellent choice for s sensory garden and may be used as a lawn substitute or to fill in between pavers. Although it is a member of the thyme family, it is rarely used as a culinary herb. It attracts bees and butterflies and is deer and rabbit resistant.
Can I just scatter creeping thyme seeds?
Growing Creeping Thyme From Seed Scatter over a seed-starting mix, lightly pressing into the surface as the seeds need light to germinate. Keep the mix consistently moist and provide plenty of light. Germination may take 2-3 weeks, so be patient. Creeping thyme takes a while to become established, and the plants usually don’t grow much during their first year. However, established plants can spread quickly and stretch 12 to 18 inches wide by their third year.Direct Sow seeds outdoors when temperatures are consistently in the high 60s or above. Division of established plantings can be done in March and April. Fall plantings should be avoided to protect against freeze damage.Sow thyme seeds indoors in spring into small pots or modular trays filled with moist peat-free seed compost, and keep at a temperature of about 13°C (55°F). They should germinate within a couple of weeks.