How to grow purple creeping thyme from seeds?
Mixing the seed with horticultural sand may make it easier to sow thinly. Keep the soil moist, but not wet and germination should occur in about 15 days. When seedlings are about 5cm tall, transplant outside after hardening off for 7 to 10 days. Sprinkle seed thinly on seed trays but cover the seed very very lightly or not at all. Place ideally in a heated propagator or cover with a polythene bag and keep at 20C. Seed should germinate in 2 weeks. Transplant into small pots when large enough.Place your seeds in the hole and bury them. Usually, you want to plant two or three seeds per hole because not every seed will germinate. The packet your seeds came in will also let you know approximately how long it will take for them to germinate.
How fast will creeping thyme grow from seed?
Days till Maturity: Creeping thyme typically takes about 90 to 180 days from planting to reach full maturity. This allows the plants to establish a robust root system and develop their dense, low-growing habit. Planting Depth: Sow seeds on top of the soil, as they need light to germinate. 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.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.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.Creeping thyme is low maintenance, but it does require pruning to manage growth and decrease woody stems The most common method of propagation is by seed. Creeping Thyme would make a wonderful addition to a home garden. It provides groundcover for borders, patios, and pathways.Thyme seeds are tiny and should be planted shallowly. Sow the seeds on the soil surface and gently press them down, covering them with a very thin layer of soil or vermiculite, no more than 0.
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 prefers well drained soil with a neutral pH (between 6. Creeping thyme is a slow grower and will take more than one season to reach its full potential.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.Transplant creeping thyme in spring, shortly after your last frost date. While it enjoys warm, sunny weather, it will establish quicker in the cooler spring temps. If you start thyme seeds indoors, do so 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost date.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.
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. Fall plantings should be avoided to protect against freeze damage. 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.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).To plant: 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.Creeping Thyme can be direct sown in a location with full sun and well-draining soil after all danger of frost has passed. You may also start seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before your last frost date. Germination is typically slow, though cold stratification may improve germination rates.Does creeping thyme come back on its own? 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.
What should not be planted near 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. 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. Chives should not be planted as companion plants to thyme because they share several incompatible characteristics. For one, chives are an annual plant, while thyme is a perennial. Additionally, chives are susceptible to pests and diseases, while thyme is resistant to many of the same problems.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.Other Mediterranean shrubs like lavender, rosemary, and bay laurel are natural companions for thyme. Each of the shrubs grows in full sun and requires well-draining soil that is on the lean side for nutrients. Thyme can also be planted with shrubs that prefer acidic soils like blueberries, heather, and dwarf conifers.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.