According to Gardeners’ World, you can plant creeping thyme at two points in the year, between March and May, or September through to November. It can be sown from seed from March to October.
What is the best time to plant creeping thyme?
spring
Planting instructions
Creeping thyme does best in an area that gets about four hours of sun a day. Planting should be done in late spring or early summer, after the fear of frost has passed. This will allow the roots to establish themselves through the growing season.
How late can you plant thyme?
Thyme can be planted indoors 6-10 weeks before your last spring frost and 2-3 weeks before your last spring frost. It can also be planted 8 weeks before your first fall frost.
What do you do with thyme in the fall?
In late fall, after the first frost, select one-third of the oldest and woodiest stems on your thyme plant. Using sharp, clean shears, cut these stems back by half. Repeat the process the next year until your thyme plant has returned to growing younger, more tender stems all over the plant.
Where does creeping thyme grow best?
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.
Does creeping thyme grow in winter?
Creeping thyme works well between pavers because it can withstand light foot traffic, thrive with minimal watering and provide color and texture in summer, fall, winter and spring.
Is creeping thyme winter hardy?
Answer: Most creeping thyme varieties are hardy through zone four. However, I think an elfin thyme is a little more cold tolerant than others.
Can I plant creeping thyme in the fall?
While you can plant thyme at any point during the growing season, spring and fall are best. In zones 9 and below, temperatures make winter planting inadvisable. Since creeping thyme likes drier soil and doesn’t usually benefit from consistent moisture, you wouldn’t mulch it during the growing season.
Can I plant thyme in the fall?
Like most herbs, thyme does best in full sun, and it tolerates drought well. It can be planted by seed in either late fall or early spring. Make sure to plant in good-draining soil. To use, remove the top one-third portion of the plant when in full bloom and spread on newspaper in a well-ventilated room to dry.
Does creeping thyme spread fast?
Used primarily as a ground cover, the creeping thyme varieties (Thymus spp.) are slow- to fast-spreading perennials when grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 9, depending on the species.
Can thyme survive winter?
Tender outdoor herbs
Herbs like bay, sage and thyme are hardy enough to survive the winter outside, but will not grow. If you want to harvest from them, protect them against the coldest weather. You can move plants into a coldframe, or an unheated greenhouse or conservatory.
Why is my creeping thyme dying?
The most common reasons for thyme dying are: Thyme has root rot or fungal disease due to consistently damp soil. Thyme that is drooping and turning yellow because of damp soils or excess nitrogen in the soil due to additional fertilizer. Thyme plant that is turning brown, dry and dying back.
Why is my creeping thyme turning brown?
The reason thyme plants turn brown is because of fungal disease caused by excess moisture around the roots. Thyme is a Mediterranean herb that prefers somewhat dry conditions. Over watering and slow draining soils promote the conditions for fungal pathogens that cause thyme plants to turn brown.
How long does it take for creeping thyme to sprout?
seven to 21 days
Sow seeds either indoors, in a greenhouse, or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Seeds typically germinate within seven to 21 days at 65 to 70°F. For growing indoors, sow seeds in organic potting soil, either in trays or two-inch containers.
Does creeping thyme repel mosquitoes?
Thyme, including red creeping thyme (shown), possesses excellent mosquito-repelling properties. The secret is to crush the leaves to release the volatile oils. You can simply place crushed stems around outdoor seating areas or rub the leaves on skin or clothing.
Can you walk on creeping thyme?
Thyme Alternative to Grass
A creeping thyme lawn is not only drought resistant, but it generally requires much less water than traditional turf grasses too. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, can be walked upon, and will rapidly spread to fill in a space.
Can creeping thyme survive frost?
Thyme is a frost resistant perennial plant that can withstand even the cold climate of Siberia in some cases.
How cold can thyme tolerate?
Culinary or English thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is hardy to zone 4 (temperatures down to -30 degrees F.).
How many creeping thyme seeds do I need per square foot?
Thyme seed is very, very small so the amount of area you can sow really depends on your sowing method. For planting a 1” space between pavers, we would recommend one packet per 6-10 feet.
How invasive is creeping thyme?
So, let’s cut the chase — is creeping thyme really invasive? The answer is no; though it will spread fast in a garden, it won’t bother the other plants. Therefore, if you are looking for an attractive ground cover that smells nice and is also deer and rabbit resistant, you should definitely consider creeping thyme!
Does creeping thyme like sun or shade?
Light: Sun (> 6 hours sun) is needed for best foliage and bloom. Water: Keep soil moist but not wet as plants establish. Once established, it tolerates dry conditions.