Where does red creeping thyme grow best?
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. 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.Most thyme plants are perennial in moderate climates. While some thyme species are upright and shrub-like, creeping types are low-growing with a vine-like habit and can be a grass alternative that doesn’t require mowing (it will also choke out weeds).It’s easy to grow creeping thyme herb from seed. Start by sowing the seeds indoors about 8 weeks before the last spring frost. 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.Plant red creeping thyme either in spring or in fall — it’s tough for young plants to get established in summer’s heat. Spacing depends on what size plants you start with, how large your space is and how quickly you want the landscape to fill with growth.
What are the disadvantages of red creeping thyme?
Thyme lawns are more expensive than grass and turf lawns and may require more labor to prepare and establish the ground. Downsides include: Moderate to high initial cost due to higher labor requirements. Slow-growing in the first year, so it requires patience. 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.Cons: Invasive: Creeping thyme can be invasive in some areas and may spread aggressively, especially in ideal growing conditions. Foot traffic: While it can tolerate light foot traffic, it may not hold up well under heavy foot traffic or frequent stepping.Thyme is very shallowly rooted and can dry out quickly, especially when the little plants are first transplanted. Thymes should remain moist but not soggy for best growth. Over head sprinklers, drip or hand watering can be used, as long as the entire area receives water allowing the stems to root in moist soil.Plant a thyme lawn in spring. First check that your site and soil is suitable for a creeping thyme lawn. Creeping thyme needs full sun and well-drained soil – it simply won’t thrive in heavy, poorly drained soil. Additionally, the soil should have a neutral to alkaline pH and be moderately fertile.
Will red 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. 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 orraised bedinstead, where drainage will be better.How quickly does creeping thyme spread? 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.In short, creeping thyme is what some ecologists refer to as an “aggressive plant”—not quite invasive, but still capable of spreading beyond intended boundaries, particularly in light shade or full sun sites with well-drained soil.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.
Does red creeping thyme come back every year?
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. Learn more about germination light requirements here. 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.
How long does it take for red creeping thyme to spread?
Creeping Thyme spreads gradually and typically takes one to two growing seasons to form a dense mat, depending on growing conditions, spacing, and climate. Regular watering during establishment can speed up growth. The plant needs to accumulate to your garden and being outside 24/7, also Thyme likes to get dry between watering. You might try partially closing the sprinkler head to allow the soil to dry a bit more between watering. Thyme is slower growing, more finicky about water, and sensitive to transplanting.The lifespan of thyme plants averages about 5-6 years. If you notice the plants are beginning to deteriorate, prune the existing plants back hard to rejuvenate them. Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.