In winter, creeping thyme generally takes on a dormant state with the leaves typically turning from green to a solid brown or bronze color. During this time, the majority of the stems and foliage will die away, and the plant may appear to have disappeared.
However, the root systems remain intact and will burst back to life in spring when temperatures begin to rise and rainfall increases. In warmer climates where the temperature remains above freezing, creeping thyme may hold up a bit more of its green hue than in colder regions.
How long does it take for creeping thyme to sprout?
Creeping thyme typically takes 10-20 days to germinate and sprout. The exact amount of time varies depending on the soil temperature, moisture levels, and other conditions. Warmer temperatures of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit will shorten the germination time significantly.
Make sure to regularly moisten the soil each day to help the thyme germinate faster. Once the thyme has sprouted, it should grow quickly and spread over the area within a few weeks.
How does creeping thyme grow?
Creeping thyme is an herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family. It can be grown from seed, cuttings, or divisions and is a low, spreading plant that is generally relegated to rock gardens, borders, pathways, and other low-maintenance landscape sites.
It propagates with runners and forms a lush, fragrant ground cover in full sun and well-drained soils. It blooms from late spring to early summer, producing small lilac to purple flowers.
Creeping thyme typically grows just an inch or two in height. While it does not require any special treatment, it appreciates a soil that is lightly amended with compost and consistently moist. It also thrives in a sunny spot and may not flower as abundantly if planted in too much shade.
Creeping thyme also requires occasional maintenance and should be trimmed back once or twice a year to prevent it from becoming too dense and leggy. Lastly, it should be cut to the ground in the fall to prevent the spread of diseases and encourage optimal flowering.
Is creeping thyme a fast growing ground cover?
No, creeping thyme is not a fast growing ground cover. Creeping thyme can take some time to establish itself, as it should be grown from seed or transplants which can take several weeks to become established.
Depending on environmental conditions, such as soil temperature and moisture, growth rate can vary. Once established, it does have some benefits – creating a mat-like effect that can be attractive, and preventing weeds from growing in the area.
However, some varieties of creeping thyme can reach a mature growth height of only about 4 inches. For larger areas, gardeners will need to plan on many plants close together for a full effect. Additionally, creeping thyme will require occasional watering and trimming in order to remain healthy and vibrant.
Will creeping thyme choke out weeds?
Creeping thyme can be an effective ground cover that works to suppress weeds in areas where it is planted. In addition to its dense foliage providing a visual barrier that can reduce the amount of light exposure the weeds receive and prevent them from sprouting, creeping thyme has creeping stems that can thicken over time and form a mat that further prevents weed growth.
Creeping thyme also has natural herbicidal properties that can work to inhibit and even prevent the germination and growth of weed seeds, making it less likely for weeds to survive in a creeping thyme bed.
While no ground cover is going to completely eliminate weed growth, it can significantly reduce the weed population in a given space. As a result, creeping thyme can be an effective way to reduce the number of weeds in your garden and keep them under control.
Can you walk on creeping thyme?
Yes, you can walk on creeping thyme. Creeping thyme is a type of compact and low-growing ornamental plant, so it can provide a low-maintenance, soft and cushiony surface for walking. It has a dense, mat-forming habit, making it a very suitable option for walkways, pathways or stepping stones.
Its foliage also adds a pleasant aroma to the air while you walk, providing a calming and soothing experience. It is important to note that creeping thyme isn’t very tolerant of heavy foot traffic and it’s recommended to set up stepping stones to prevent the thyme from becoming crushed.
It’s also a good idea to mulch frozen paths in the winter, to prevent damage to the creeping thyme.
Does creeping thyme repel mosquitoes?
Creeping thyme has long been a popular herb in both medicinal and culinary roles, but some believe it may possess other therapeutic uses as well. While there is no definitive answer as to whether or not creeping thyme repels mosquitoes, there is some anecdotal evidence that suggests it may.
The essential oil of creeping thyme is believed to have repellent properties when used topically. This oil has been tested in lab settings with results showing it may be effective against mosquitoes and other insects.
Additionally, studies have shown that when the essential oil of creeping thyme is diffused into the air, it is highly repellent to mosquitos, similar to DEET, the active ingredient in many insect repellents.
In addition to the essential oil of creeping thyme, the leaves of the thyme plant may be a useful repellent as well. Crushed thyme leaves can be placed into a sachet and hung around areas prone to mosquito activity.
The smell released by the dried leaves may help to deter mosquitoes from the area, although the efficacy of this method may depend on external factors, such as wind and humidity.
Overall, while there is inconclusive evidence as to whether creeping thyme can effectively repel mosquitoes, it is worth a try if you are looking for an all-natural method.
Is creeping thyme invasive?
No, creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is not considered an invasive species. This low-growing, flowering herb has become popular in gardens and landscaping due its pleasant smell and hardy nature. Creeping thyme is well-behaved and manageable in the landscape, as it will form a dense mat but will not encroach on surrounding plants or take over the area.
Although it may spread or self-seed in some situations, it’s easy to control by simply trimming back regularly if desired. Additionally, creeping thyme can tolerate a variety of conditions, including drought, cold and poor soils, although it thrives in moist, well-draining soil in a sunny spot.
It’s particularly popular as a groundcover and is also used as an attractive border plant and in rock gardens. Not to be confused with other varieties of thyme, creeping thyme is sometimes referred to as mother thyme, wild thyme, or creeping wild thyme.
Does thyme stay green in winter?
Yes, thyme stays green in winter. Its evergreen nature makes it a great perennial herb to grow in many climates, as it is able to stay green and healthy throughout all four seasons. In particular, thyme is a great herb to grow in areas with cold winters, as it can survive and thrive in winter temperatures and can even be used as a winter culinary herb.
With the proper care, thyme can remain healthy and green during the cold winter months and then come back with a flourish in late spring.
Why is my creeping thyme not blooming?
Creeping thyme is a low-maintenance ground cover commonly used for landscaping, and it can take a few years for the plant to bloom. In order for your creeping thyme to bloom, it needs several requirements: adequate light (at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day), proper soil moisture and nutrition, and the proper environment.
In terms of light, it’s possible that your creeping thyme is not getting enough sunlight. Generally, creeping thyme plants bloom best when grown in full sun. If your creeping thyme is growing in partial shade, then it may not be getting enough sun for it to bloom.
When it comes to soil, it’s important that your soil contains enough nutrients and moisture. Creeping thyme plants are fairly drought-tolerant, however, they need some level of moisture in order to thrive.
Be sure to check your soil’s moisture levels and give it additional water when needed. It’s also a good idea to fertilize your creeping thyme every couple months to ensure that the soil has enough nutrients.
The environment is also important. Creeping thyme plants don’t like cold, wet conditions, so it’s best to protect your creeping thyme from extreme temperatures and too much moisture. In cold regions, be sure to mulch your creeping thyme to help protect it from cold temperatures.
Additionally, never allow your creeping thyme to sit in water.
If you provide your creeping thyme with enough sunlight, proper soil moisture and nutrition, and protect it from extreme temperatures and moisture, it should start to bloom. It can take a few years for a creeping thyme plant to bloom, so be patient and provide it with the proper care and environment.
How far will creeping thyme spread?
Creeping thyme is a low-growing, spreading herb that is widely used in landscaping and as a groundcover. Generally, the plant will spread as far as it is given the opportunity to. This means that it will spread as wide as you let it, though it is typically between 6 inches – 1 foot in height and width.
If given the proper environmental conditions, such as plenty of sun, adequate drainage and occasional watering, creeping thyme can spread rather quickly and can grow in clumps up to two feet across. Creeping Thyme can also spread through rhizomes, and will even spread on its own with no assistance if given the right conditions and an open area to grow.
Additionally, creeping thyme can spread easily by taking a small clump of the plant and planting it in an area with proper growing conditions – the rhizomes of the plant will take over the entire area relatively quickly.
All in all, creeping thyme can spread quite quickly and can cover a large area if given the right environment.