Creeping thyme is a low growing plant that produces small clusters of fragrant flowers. Planting creeping thyme is most successful in areas that experience mild winters and long spring and summer seasons.
In colder regions, you can start seeds indoors and transplant them outside, or purchase plants from a nursery. In milder regions, the best time for planting creeping thyme is in early spring or late fall.
For the best looking plant, plant individual creeping thyme plants 18 inches apart from each other. When planting in spring, add a thin layer of mulch to help the soil retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
If planting in fall, provide a layer of organic compost or top soil to give the seedlings or transplants a good start.
What zone does creeping thyme grow in?
Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a low-growing, mat-forming herb native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is a flowering plant that is a member of the mint family and its flowers range from pink to lavender.
It is typically grown as a ground cover and has a pleasant lemon scent.
Creeping thyme prefers to grow in full sunlight, but will tolerate some shade. It is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9 and is cold tolerant. When planted in zones 10 and higher, it benefits from protection from the hottest part of the day.
It prefers a well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
With adequate moisture and good drainage, it is an easy plant to grow. Creeping thyme is generally pest and disease resistant and requires little maintenance.
Will creeping thyme survive winter?
Yes, creeping thyme can survive winter. It is a hardy and resilient evergreen herb that can tolerate frost and cold temperatures. Provided it is planted in an area with well-draining soil, good air circulation, and some winter sunlight, it should be able to thrive throughout the winter months.
It is important to avoid watering it too much, as excess moisture can cause disease. To help it survive the winter, you can mulch it with wood chips, straw, or pine cones. This will protect the roots from the cold and conserve the soil’s moisture.
Lastly, keep the soil moist, but not soggy, with a light amount of water throughout the winter. Following these tips should ensure your creeping thyme makes it through winter in good shape, healthy and ready to go in the spring.
How quickly does creeping thyme spread?
Creeping thyme is a low-growing perennial plant that is often used as a ground cover in gardens and landscapes. It spreads slowly and steadily, forming low to the ground mats of foliage and tiny, purple flowers.
It may take a few years for creeping thyme to fully spread and establish itself in an area. Under ideal conditions, creeping thyme can spread up to 15 inches annually. However, even under favorable conditions, it will likely spread up to 2 or 3 inches each year.
To increase its spread, you can divide the plants and re-plant them in different areas. Additionally, you can also propagate additional creeping thyme plants by taking softwood cuttings in the spring or summertime.
This involves taking cuttings from the soft stems of the creeping thyme and planting them in either water or potting soil until they form a strong root system. Doing this will create additional thyme plants that will create a larger and more established ground coverage.
Is creeping thyme toxic to dogs?
No, creeping thyme is generally not toxic to dogs. This herb is considered relatively safe for pets, although it is important to note that large amounts of any plant can potentially cause gastrointestinal issues in pets.
Therefore, it is best to keep creeping thyme plants out of reach of pets. If your pet does consume a large amount of the plant, it is important to watch out for any signs of gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting, constipation or diarrhea.
If any of these symptoms become apparent, you should take your pet to a veterinarian immediately.
Which creeping thyme spreads fastest?
Creeping thyme is an excellent low-growing, mat-forming subshrub, great for ground cover, herb gardens, and edging. The rate of spread of creeping thyme depends on the species and climatic conditions of its habitat.
Generally, the fastest-spreading creeping thymes include the Thymus serpyllum species and its cultivars, such as Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus) and Pink Chintz Thyme (Thymus praecox subsp. arcticus).
These will quickly fill in an area and provide a lush, fragrant ground cover. Other types of fast-growing creeping thyme include T. pulegioides and other varieties of creeping thyme such as Thymus ‘Doone Valley’, Thymus ‘Red Carpet’, Thymus ‘Silver Posie’, and Thymus ‘Wooly Bouquet’.
These varieties have a rapid growth rate and can spread anywhere from 1-6 inches per year. To help them spread faster and more aggressively, prune them back after flowering. Because all of these varieties of creeping thyme require excellent drainage, they can be difficult to maintain in wet soil conditions.
Does creeping thyme multiply?
Yes, creeping thyme does multiply. It spreads mostly through underground stems, so if you want your thyme to grow bigger, try dividing the established plot with a spade every few years. This will help the existing plants spread and fill in any empty spots.
You can also use cuttings or division to start new plants. Simply cut a piece of the stem with a sharp knife and plant it in well-drained soil. Also, be sure to space out your thyme plants when planting so they have room to grow and mature.
What is the fastest spreading ground cover?
English Ivy (Hedera helix) is widely considered to be the fastest-spreading ground cover. It is an evergreen perennial which grows rapidly, up to 1 foot per year, and can cover large areas quickly. English ivy has aggressive, climbable tendrils which cling to structures and walls and can easily become unwieldy.
Though it spreads readily, it’s also quite easy to control and can be pruned regularly to keep it in check. English Ivy is also incredibly hardy and can grow in full sun to part shade and in a range of soils, including clay and poor soils.
Additionally, it provides erosion control and is drought-tolerant. As a bonus, it is often very appealing, with its glossy leaves and silvery-green foliage.
Does thyme spread easily?
Thyme is a hardy perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. It has oval-shaped, textured leaves and small pink, white, or purple flowers. The leaves are often used in seasoning a variety of dishes.
Thyme does spread easily, particularly in warm climates. It can be grown in containers, pots, or flower beds. If you want to spread it across a larger area, then it’s best to divide up the plants and replant them.
It can also flower and produce new plants from its seed.
Thyme likes full sun and drier soils and requires very little maintenance. It should be watered if the surface of the soil is dry. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and only needs an occasional trim to keep it neat.
When planting thyme, it’s important to note that it has shallow roots. This means that it is best to use lighter soil to ensure good drainage. It is also important to give it at least 6 hours of sun.
In summary, thyme spreads easily in warm climates and can be grown in a variety of mediums, from containers to flower beds. It requires little maintenance, other than watering when the soil is dry and trimming occasionally.
Its growth is largely dependent on the amount of sun it is exposed to.
How many hours of sun does creeping thyme?
Creeping thyme grows best in full sun, so it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. If your creeping thyme is grown in a spot that gets less sun, it is important to supplement with additional light.
You can provide the additional light by placing the creeping thyme in a south- or west-facing window of your home if possible, or use an artificial light source such as a grow light. When using an artificial light source it is important to make sure the plant receives at least eight to ten hours of light each day.
Can I plant creeping thyme seeds directly in the ground?
Yes, you can plant creeping thyme seeds directly in the ground. When you are ready to plant, it is important to first make sure you have chosen a site with well drained soil, ideally in full sun. Once your site is picked out, use a rake or hoe to loosen the soil and remove any rocks, weeds or other debris.
Make sure to loosen the soil to a depth of 10-12 inches, this will improve the drainage and allow the roots of the thyme to spread. You can then spread the seeds on top of the soil and lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil or compost.
To ensure successful germination, keep the soil moist. Water regularly and lightly fertilize every two weeks. Once the thyme has established itself, you can trim it back to the desired size.
How long does creeping thyme take to grow from seed?
Creeping thyme usually takes 7-10 days to germinate from seed. Once it germinates, it will start to grow very quickly and reach maturity within 6-8 weeks.
Once mature, it can continue to spread and multiply on its own, providing ground cover and color in the landscape. Creeping thyme can also be propagated through stem cuttings and is a great choice for rock gardens in full to partial sun.
Can I grow thyme indoors all year round?
Yes, you can grow thyme indoors all year round. It is an easy herb to keep in an indoor environment as it prefers to grow in cool temperatures, tolerates drought and requires little maintenance. To get started, first find a spot in your home that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
If a window isn’t available, you can invest in some artificial lights to provide the right amount of light. Once you have the right space, fill a pot with potting soil that is well draining and has plenty of organic compost worked through it.
Plant the thyme seeds or transfer a cutting of an already established thyme plant; just be sure not to break any of the leaves from the cutting. Water the plant every couple of days, and within weeks your thyme should begin to sprout! If the ambient temperatures in your home are too hot, the plant may suffer from drying out too quickly.
In that case, try to find a place that is a bit cooler for your thyme to grow. With the right conditions, you can have a beautiful and fragrant thyme plant that thrives all year round.
Does creeping thyme come back every year?
Yes, creeping thyme is a perennial plant that typically comes back every year. It can be a great addition to the garden, lawn, flower beds, borders and walkways because of its evergreen foliage and aromatic flowers.
It requires very little maintenance and is drought tolerant once established. Regular pruning of the plant is recommended as it can crowd out other plants in the area. This plant thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil and moderate water requirements.
It often grows best in an alkaline soil but will tolerate slightly acidic soils.