You can plant creeping thyme in window boxes, raised beds, shallow pots, or directly in the ground. If you’re using thyme to edge a flower border or walkway, space it far enough from the edge that it won’t quickly grow into the lawn or over pavement. Situate plants at the front of the garden where they can get plenty of sun. Clay soils often drain poorly so thyme may not grow well unless the soil is amended first to improve drainage.Ĭreeping thyme is an evergreen plant that will spread over time, so it’s important to give it a location where it has room to grow. Creeping thyme prefers a slightly alkaline soil pH and they grow very well in sandy loam or gravelly soils. Soil that is constantly moist can lead to root rot. Thyme plants aren’t super-picky about soil, but they do prefer a well-drained location. It can tolerate some shade, but for the fullest and longest-lasting blooms, strive to give your plants at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Sun, Soil, and Water RequirementsĬreeping thyme is an evergreen, low-growing herb that thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Once the plants are established, they’ll be drought tolerant. Water the seeds or young plants thoroughly after planting and keep the beds moist until the plants have established roots. You can also grow thyme from cuttings by snipping off a two-inch (5 cm) length of stem from an existing plant, placing the cutting in water until root growth emerges, then transplanting it into soil.

Water the seeds or transplants thoroughly after planting and keep the beds moist until the seeds germinate or the seedlings are established, which may take about four weeks. To direct sow creeping thyme seeds, dig a shallow furrow and sow two or three seeds at a time, 12 inches (30cm) apart. If your goal is to create a groundcover, use the closer spacing so the plants fill in faster. To transplant creeping thyme seedlings, dig holes about four inches (10cm) deep, with 12 to 18 inches (30-60cm) between holes. How to Plant Creeping ThymeĬhoose a well-draining planting site and amend the soil with compost or aged manure to add nutrients. For best results, wait until the soil has warmed up and the last frost has passed before planting creeping thyme seeds or seedlings outdoors. In areas with more severe winters, wait until spring to plant creeping thyme. In areas with mild winter conditions, creeping thyme can be planted in the fall, as long as temperatures remain above freezing. When to Plant Creeping ThymeĬreeping thyme can be planted in early spring or fall, depending on where you live. Here are the basic facts on planting and caring for creeping thyme. Growing Creeping ThymeĬreeping thyme is easy to grow. Wherever you have a sunny spot that requires a low-profile perennial plant, creeping thyme is a good option to consider. For those looking for a compact variety to grow in a container, Thymus vulgaris ‘Miniature’ is a dainty variety that looks beautiful cascading over the side of a pot, and it’s also sized right for use in a teacup or fairy garden. Other popular selections include Thymus citriodorus ‘Variegata’, which boasts variegated, lemon-scented leaves, and Thymus pulegioides ‘Foxley’, with green and white variegated foliage that also has great flavor. There are many creeping thyme varieties to choose from, including Thymus praecox ‘Coccineus’ with its pink flowers and Thymus praecox ‘Albus’ with its snow-white blooms. They produce a dense mass of tiny foliage that transforms into a carpet of color when in flower. Creeping thyme are those thyme species that have a low, spreading habit. There are many species of thyme with various ornamental or edible qualities. Best of all, planting and caring for thyme couldn’t be simpler! Types of Creeping Thyme With so many varieties of this versatile herb to choose from, it’s easy to find one perfect for your space. The foliage releases a burst of fragrance when the leaves are crushed or brushed by passersby.Ī hardy perennial, creeping thyme will thrive in nearly any hardiness zone, and return for years to come if cared for properly. Creeping thyme also makes a useful filler in a rock garden and between the pavers, bricks, or flagstones of a lightly travelled garden path. Bees and other beneficial insects love thyme flowers so it’s a great addition to a pollinator garden. With a low-growing habit and fragrant flowers, creeping thyme is an excellent choice for ground cover around flower beds or pathways. Maybe there’s a lack of color or fragrance.Ĭreeping thyme is a delightful herb that addresses all of these areas of need and requires minimal care. Perhaps you have plenty of vertical features but no ground-level texture. Does your garden feel like it’s missing something? You might have some weedy areas alongside your pathways.

Thyme harvest time