Is it hard to grow creeping thyme from seed?
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 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.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.Creeping thyme is a hardy perennial widely used as a trailing ground cover in aromatic landscapes.Thymus ‘Pink Chintz’ with its thick stems of woolly foliage is more durable and more waterwise than other creeping thymes and thrives in almost any well-drained soil in full sun.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 repel?
Thyme, including red creeping thyme possesses excellent mosquito-repelling properties. Repels Deer, Rabbits, and Mosquitoes So if you’ve been looking for ways to keep deer out of your yard, consider having a creeping thyme lawn.The main difference between the two is their foliage. As its name suggests, woolly thyme has gray, fuzzy foliage, whereas creeping thyme’s foliage is silvery-green and almost smooth. A second difference is their flowering habit. Creeping thyme is a prolific flowerer, but woolly thyme often doesn’t bloom at all.Creeping Thyme Care. Creeping thyme plants grow best in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Like most herb plants, creeping thyme seems to thrive in poor soils. They will grow best in full sun, although they will tolerate some shade.Butterflies and bees are attracted to Creeping Thyme and use it for food and habitat, lending added interest and benefit to the local ecosystem. Creeping Thyme prefers dry soil and will not thrive with wet roots, so avoid the urge to irrigate regularly.Creeping thyme may refer to one of several species of thyme, which are low growing and spreading rather than upright shrubs. They also tolerate moderate foot traffic. As such, they are commonly grown as ground cover thymes. This may be as a lawn substitute, between stepping stones or in an ornamental border.
What does creeping thyme look like in winter?
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. 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.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. Germination may take 2-3 weeks, so be patient. Move your creeping thyme seedlings to individual containers once the first 4 true leaves appear.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 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. Seeds can also be started indoors 8-10 weeks before your average last frost date.
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. Plant pots of creeping thyme in spring, or autumn in mild areas, in soil that drains freely and with no danger of waterlogging in winter. To grow in pots, use soil-based potting compost and add coarse grit to boost drainage.Rest assured, when you buy Creeping Thyme plants for sale online from Wilson Bros Gardens, we safely ship the highest quality container grown specimens that are ready upon arrival to plant and thrive for years to come in your gardens – Guaranteed!Creeping thyme is a dwarf, low-growing, creeping, woody evergreen. It is grown primarily as an ornamental groundcover. The plant’s leaves are aromatic, but it is not typically used in cooking. It measures 2-3 inches tall and 3 to 12 inches wide.Grow it in a small plant container, such as a coffee cup as decoration on a bistro table, or use it to cover any exposed potting soil below a tall, thin plant, such as a tree. Creeping thyme will bloom with many tiny purple flowers that will attract pollinators to your balcony container garden.
When’s the best time to plant creeping thyme seeds?
Planting Season: Optimal in mid-spring to early summer. Soil Requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained, loamy to slightly alkaline soil. Seeding Rate: Use 1 oz to cover up to 500 sq ft. Planting Depth: Seeds should be sown 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Provide 65-70ºF soil temperature for germination. Sow a few seeds per individual cell or pot or start in a 20-row tray, then transplant into larger cells/pots/containers.Sow seeds on top of the growing medium and cover with a thin layer of soil mix. Keep moist until germination. Transplant to individual containers when plants have 4 true leaves. After the last frost in spring, transplant outside and space 6-8 apart, in rows 12-18 apart.
How quickly does thyme sprout?
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°. Plant creeping thyme from seeds or potted nursery starts in the spring. In its first year, it’s a slow-to-moderate grower, but once it’s established, it will spread quicker in subsequent years.Thyme is easy to grow, but it does take patience. Thyme seeds take a month to germinate, so make sure you start them early. Mint. Mint is a little more difficult to start, but if you use a dome or plastic wrap, you will be more likely to have success.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.Sowing. Thyme can be grown from seed sown indoors, as well as from cuttings, or can be bought as young plants and more established plants. This herb likes a warm sunny spot and light free-draining soil.All thymes dislike damp conditions, especially in winter, which can cause the roots to rot. So avoid planting in soil that stays damp over winter – instead plant in a raised bed or container. Move containers to a more sheltered spot over winter, out of heavy rain.