Can you grow red thyme from seed?
Thyme has a reputation for being difficult to start from seed, largely because of the tiny size of the seeds and poor germination rates of some varieties. However, in my experience, creeping thyme is much easier to grow from seed than some other woody herbs like rosemary or sage. What Are the Downsides of Creeping Thyme? Thyme lawns are more expensive than grass and turf lawns and may require more labor to prepare and establish the ground.Thyme is such a versatile herb. It tastes so delicious in so many dishes, no matter what time of year. One of the best things about thyme is it’s also been linked to an increase in antioxidant levels in the human brain. Thyme also contains high levels of something call luteolin that has anti-inflammatory properties.Thyme pairs best with other woody herbs and sun-loving perennials that thrive in nutrient-poor soils, including lavender, rosemary, salvia, penstemon, and oregano. As both an ornamental and edible plant, thyme can enhance many garden spaces.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.Though it can spread quickly once established, creeping thyme is not invasive and easy to manage.
How long does it take creeping thyme to grow from seeds?
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. 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.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.Creeping Thyme prefers dry soil and will not thrive with wet roots, so avoid the urge to irrigate regularly.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.
Does creeping thyme come back every year?
Creeping thyme is a perennial, meaning it will come back on its own every year. How quickly do creeping thyme plants 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. 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. Applying mulch in late fall can help protect the roots during freezing temperatures.Plant creeping thyme in spring after the last frost has passed, giving it a full growing season to establish before winter. Fall planting works too, provided you allow 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost. Location matters. Choose a spot with full sun exposure—at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.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.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.
Will creeping thyme choke out weeds?
As its name implies, creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) will creep along your landscape and prevent weeds from popping up. 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.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.Any branches that root themselves will continue to live another 3-5 years. So creeping thyme will always end up patchy. Always best to plant many different species for lawn replacement , not just one.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).
What month do you plant creeping thyme?
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. 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.Thymus vulgaris, common thyme is a shrub-like perennial. Easy to grow from seed though germination is slow taking from 14 to 28 days. Seeding best started indoors in a flat where temperature can be kept around 70°.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.
What should not be planted near 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. Like most herbs, thyme does best in full sun, and it tolerates drought well. It can be planted by seed in either late fall or early spring. Make sure to plant in good-draining soil.A majority of herbs are perennials throughout most of the United States. That means they come back year after year and usually get bigger or spread in territory each year. Some of our most-used cooking herbs are perennials, including sage, oregano and thyme.Whether you overwinter herbs or not depends on which herbs you like to grow and eat, your gardening zone, and the effort you want to put in. Some cold-hardy herbs, like thyme, should regrow each season as long as you leave them in the garden—but this isn’t true of every plant.
Do I need to soak thyme seeds before planting?
Thyme seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing. Thyme seeds grow best when they are raised in trays or other containers and transplanted to the garden once established. Not only does this drought-tolerant perennial require much less water than traditional turf grass, it also spreads quickly to fill in bare spots. As a bonus, creeping thyme creates a colorful floral carpet in late spring, when it bursts into a profusion of dainty pink or purple flowers.Once you’ve sourced healthy red creeping thyme plants, select a sunny location where they can happily spread. Creeping thyme tolerates partial shade, but full sun (6+ hours a day) is ideal for peak flowering.Plant in full sun, where it is fairly drought tolerant. It may rot in the winter if grown in poorly drained soil. Thyme can be grown in containers for the summer and brought indoors to a well-lit spot for the winter. Trim the plant in spring and summer to keep it neat and avoid too much woody growth.Prune back creeping thyme stems in the early spring to prepare the plant for the growing season ahead. Prune again after the flowers die back, usually by the end of summer. In late fall, after the first frost, prune the leggiest, woodiest stems by half. This pruning encourages vigorous, young growth in the spring.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.