Can red creeping thyme grow in Australia?
Red creeping thyme grows well in nearly all parts of Australia. I got some seeds, put them in an old salt shaker and then filled the shaker up about half way with dried rice, then I sprinkled it on areas that nothing really grew on. Now I have a bunch of random patches of creeping thyme and it spreads a bit more every year.
How quickly does creeping thyme spread?
Creeping thyme takes time to establish, but once it does, it will spread quickly. This plant can spread between 12-18 inches wide by the third year. Is it OK to walk on creeping thyme? Creeping thyme can withstand light walking, but it will struggle under heavy foot traffic. Known as Wild Thyme or Mother of Thyme, Creeping Thyme is a brilliant evergreen perennial that creeps its way through garden borders, rock gardens and stone walls. Growing just 2 to 4 tall with a lemony fragrance, it has slightly hairy, deep green leaves through which tiny pinkish to pale purple flowers bloom.Creeping Pink thyme, with almost an inch of stem between its sets of leaves, grows much more quickly than say a Pink Chintz Thyme or a Woolly Thyme whose leaves are very close together. The increased stem segment also provides a greater rooting zone for the thyme allowing it to spread faster.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.The easiest way to propagate creeping thyme is through stem cuttings. In two to three weeks, roots will develop and the plants can be transplanted into small containers, says Bunting. Using a pair of sharp, sterilized pruning shears or scissors, take a 1-inch cutting of a stem.Creeping thyme tolerates partial shade, but full sun (6+ hours a day) is ideal for peak flowering. Next, make sure soil drainage is excellent. Amend the soil with compost, leaf mold or soil conditioner to lighten the structure, adding sand if you have heavy, clay-based soils.
What does creeping thyme repel?
Thyme, including red creeping thyme possesses excellent mosquito-repelling properties. 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.
Where is the best place to plant red creeping thyme?
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 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.Days to Germination: Seeds usually germinate within 14 to 21 days. Be patient and maintain consistent moisture during this period to facilitate germination. Starting Indoors or Direct Sown: Creeping thyme seeds can be started indoors or in direct sown.Growing creeping thyme from seed. 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.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.Red Creeping Thyme will grow to be only 2 inches tall at maturity extending to 3 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 14 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 14 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground.
What are the bad effects of thyme?
When taken by mouth: Thyme is commonly consumed in foods. Thyme is possibly safe when used as medicine, short-term. It might cause allergic reactions, dizziness, and stomach upset in some people. In short, yes. Thymus vulgaris, the type of thyme most commonly sold in grocery stores, is non-toxic and safe for dogs to consume. Your dog may eat small to moderate amounts of this fresh herb without any threat of toxicity or adverse effects to your dog’s health.Thyme is safe for cats and can be a pleasing addition to your herb garden. It’s commonly used in cooking for its earthy flavor, ideal for seasoning soups, stews, and meats. Both regular thyme and lemon thyme can provide sensory enrichment for your cats while serving as versatile culinary herbs.As a general rule, cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might just surprise you. They can’t stand citrus and as much as you might love the smell of fresh herbs, cats hate rosemary and thyme. Banana and mustard are a big no-no too, as well as lavender and eucalyptus.Thyme is safe for cats and can be a pleasing addition to your herb garden. It’s commonly used in cooking for its earthy flavor, ideal for seasoning soups, stews, and meats. Both regular thyme and lemon thyme can provide sensory enrichment for your cats while serving as versatile culinary herbs.