It blooms in spring or summer for about three to four weeks. Most thyme plants do not flower in their first growing season.
How fast does thyme reach maturity?
between 75 and 90 days
Thyme takes an average of between 75 and 90 days to reach maturity. Some varieties can take up to 200 days until they reach maturity! So, check seed packets carefully before starting seeds. Thin seedlings to 12 to 24 inches apart.
What is the longest blooming creeping thyme?
Pink Lemonade
Most Ground Cover Thymes, but not all, bloom for about three to four weeks between mid spring to mid summer. Pink Lemonade wins the “blooms the longest” award. It waves its lovely pink blooms throughout the growing season.
Should I let thyme flower?
Thyme’s tiny flowers are pretty and white. Though you can pinch the flowers off to allow the plant to produce more leaves, the flavor of thyme really isn’t compromised by letting the plant bloom.
Which creeping thyme spreads fastest?
Red Creeping Thyme: Also referred to as coccineus, this thyme can be identified by magenta flowers. It grows flat and covers a lot of area quickly. Its flowers are very small but prolific. It will spread up to 18 inches, but is only around an inch tall.
How long does creeping thyme take to grow from seed?
The Creeping Thyme plant can be grown from seed, and it takes 14 to 21 days to sprout in USDA Zones 3 – 9. Creeping thyme ground cover grows well in soil that is either neutral or slightly alkaline. Creeping Thyme self-sows easily, dropping it seeds after blooming season is over.
How many years does thyme last?
Thyme is a perennial herb that often only lives for 5 or 6 years even with good care. After 3 years thyme plants growth tends to slow down and produce less leaves with a weak aroma and inferior flavour compared to younger thyme plants.
Will creeping thyme choke out weeds?
Creeping Thyme
Not only will this groundcover help choke out weeds, but it will also provide colorful interest and a delectable fragrance to your garden.
Does creeping thyme bloom all summer?
It blooms in spring or summer for about three to four weeks. Most thyme plants do not flower in their first growing season.
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.
What does it mean when thyme flowers?
Botanically known as Thymus vulgaris, thyme is in the mint family. The name ‘Flowering thyme’ is used to describe the plant in full bom, when it is at its most aromatic; the flavor of the leaves heightened by the presence of the flowers. Thyme doesn’t lose its aroma and flavor once it flowers, as some herbs tend to do.
Why does my thyme plant have flowers?
When thyme plants bloom it means that the plants are reaching the end of their growth cycle and they’re getting ready to produce seeds. You can remove the flowers to prevent the plants going to seed too quickly or allow them to bloom and enjoy the beautiful flowers in your garden.
What do you do with thyme after flowering?
Trim thyme back after it’s finished flowering to promote new growth. This will give you more leaves to harvest through autumn. If you don’t tidy them up, plants become woody and will need replacing after three years. Once established, thyme won’t need watering.
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.
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.
Do you have to mow creeping thyme?
Creeping thyme grows low to the ground, so you don’t have to mow it. (Most varieties don’t reach over 4”.) Although, if you prefer, you can mow once any flowers have died off. Most creeping thyme varieties flower, making it a pollinator-friendly turf replacement.
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.
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 far apart should I plant creeping thyme?
Spacing: Plant creeping thyme seeds one inch apart. Once seedlings form, transfer the new plants to their final spot, spacing them eight to twelve inches apart. 5. Sunlight: Creeping thyme thrives in full sun, though it can also do well in partial shade.
Why is my creeping thyme turning black?
Thyme grows best in well-drained, somewhat coarse or sandy soil. In wet, heavy soils, the plant’s roots may rot, causing black leaves and a foul odor. Amend heavy soils with compost, manure and sand to improve drainage, or grow thyme in containers or raised herb gardens.
What to plant with creeping thyme?
Thymes blend well with other plants, too. Perennials such as betony, bee balm, sage, allium, pincushion flower, artemisia, yarrow, and iris make interesting companions. I like to grow the betony and drumstick allium underplanted with a creeping thyme.