Creeping Thyme

When should I plant
Creeping Thyme is a perennial herb that thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 and overwinters well. Direct sow seeds outdoors in late spring when temperatures are consistently above 60°F. For an earlier start, seeds can be started indoors 8-10 weeks before your average last frost date.

Site consideration
Creeping Thyme prefers well-drained soil with a neutral pH (between 6.0 and 8.0) in a location that receives full sun. It can tolerate partial shade but will grow more leggy and produce fewer flowers in these conditions. Creeping Thyme is a slow grower and may take more than one season to reach its full potential, with the first year focusing mainly on establishing strong roots.

Water
Creeping Thyme is drought-resistant once established but will need consistent watering while getting established. Water regularly until it is rooted in a well, and then reduce watering. Established plants typically don’t need additional watering unless there's a prolonged dry spell combined with hot, sunny weather.

Sunlight
Creeping Thyme needs light to germinate, so press the seeds lightly onto the soil surface and do not cover them with soil, or just lightly dust them with vermiculite. For the strongest plants and best flowering, plant in a location that receives 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. While Creeping Thyme can survive in partial shade, it will grow more leggy and produce fewer flowers.
Seed Germination
Creeping Thyme seeds typically germinate within 14-28 days. Keep the soil consistently moist during this period to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Do not cover the seeds with soil; instead, press them lightly into the soil surface to help with germination. Good contact with soil is crucial for successful germination.
Seeding Rate
The seeding rate for Creeping Thyme is generally 1 ounce per 500–625 square feet for a dense ground cover, or 1/8 lb per 5,000 square feet for a lawn. If you're planting in bare ground, you may want to increase the seeding rate slightly. For a mixed stand, use 1 ounce per 1,000 square feet. Press the seeds lightly into the soil, but do not cover them, as they need light to germinate.

Other Elements
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary unless your soil is particularly nutrient-poor. Creeping Thyme naturally thrives in stony, gravelly soils and requires little external feeding. If needed, add compost to improve soil quality. Pruning is not required, but light trimming in earl
Weed control
To control weeds around Creeping Thyme, hand-pull weeds carefully, especially when they are small. You may want to use small garden tools to remove the roots, but be careful not to damage the creeping thyme. If chemical control is needed, apply a selective post-emergent herbicide directly to the weeds using a paintbrush or Q-tip to avoid harming the Creeping Thyme. Always ensure the product is labeled safe for Creeping Thyme or for use in such situations.

Seed Storage
The seeds will maintain a high germination percentage if stored under proper conditions. How long your seeds remain viable will depend on the temperature and moisture levels the seeds are exposed to. Seeds which are improperly stored will quickly deteriorate if unprotected against high humidity and dramatic temperature fluctuations day after day.

For best results, keep the seed in our moisture-proof ziplock sealing bags, which provide a better moisture prevention effect. Glass jar or plastic containers with snap-on lids works well too, add a packet of desiccant before sealing into the seed, such as silica gel to remove any moisture remains in the storage container. Seed stored under these conditions will remain viable for as long as years.

Factors Which commonly Cause Poor Results
  1. Improper drainage soil
  2. Sowing depth more than one inch
  3. Covering the seed too deep beneath the soil surface
  4. Cover a large area with a small amount of seed.
  5. Plant at a wrong time of a year
  6. Lack of sunlight
  7. Inadequate rainfall after seed germination. The area should not be allowed to become completely dry. Supplemental watering may be required to sustain plant life.
  8. Extreme weather conditions: hail, drought, excessive rainfall, floods, unseasonably cold temperatures.

 

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