How long does thyme take to grow from seed?
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 seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. 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.The best time to plant creeping thyme is during early spring to early summer when the conditions are conducive for the plants to root in and establish themselves, says Andrew Bunting, vice president of horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.Thyme seeds are best started indoors 8-10 weeks prior to the final spring frost. 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.Plant cuttings or young thyme plants any time after the ground temperature reaches 70°F. This is usually 2 to 3 weeks before the last spring frost in well-drained soil about 9 inches apart. Space young plants 12 to 24 inches apart, depending upon the specific variety.
What is the lifespan of creeping thyme?
Keep in mind creeping thyme only lasts 3-5 years and the main part of the plant dies, leaving dead branches that are very unattractive. The lifespan of thyme plants averages about 5-6 years.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.Thyme does best in full sun. Start from young plants set out in spring after the last frost. Be sure to choose strong young thyme plants from Bonnie Plants®, the company that has been helping home gardeners succeed for over 100 years. Plant in soil with excellent drainage and a pH of about 7.
Where is the best place to plant creeping thyme?
Choose a Good Location Creeping thyme prefers full-sun and well-drained, sandy or rocky soil, though it will tolerate some light shade. Avoid full-shade locations or those with heavy or wet clay soils. Remove all weeds from the site before planting. Thyme is cold hardy but will freeze eventually. I pot mine up now and bring it into the garage or my basement, then bring it back outside in the spring. I live in WNY, a certifiably cold climate. My thyme, oregano, sage, lavender and even my rosemary do just fine outdoors during the winter months.Creeping Thyme is an excellent herb for brightening up a herb garden as edging or as a feature plant, it can be used to edge a path or plant between flag stones and within turf. It is often found in rockeries it is edible and can be used as you would any other thyme, popular in Mediterranean dishes.Grow thyme in well-drained soil in full sun. Some varieties of thyme work well planted in gravel gardens, cracks in paving or as an alternative to a lawn. Others do best in pots, which you can bring indoors in autumn. Cut back thyme after flowering and protect tender species in winter.
Can thyme survive winter?
Thyme Is a Frost-Tolerant Herb for Your Winter Garden Read more tips to grow thyme in the garden. Thyme has antispasmodic, mucus-clearing, and antibacterial actions. More.Thyme helps fight respiratory infections and is a natural expectorant that serves as an antiseptic and helps expulse mucus.Thyme is possibly safe when used as medicine, short-term. It might cause allergic reactions, dizziness, and stomach upset in some people.