Creeping Thyme Planting Guide

Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Choose a Planting Location:
Select a sunny spot with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily ☀️. Creeping thyme thrives in warm, dry areas and is excellent for pathways, garden edges, and between stepping stones.

Prepare the Soil:
Use well-draining sandy or loamy soil 🌱. Creeping thyme prefers a slightly alkaline to neutral pH (6.0–8.0). Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas, as they can cause root rot.

Planting Instructions:
Sow seeds directly on the soil surface without covering 🌍, as light aids germination. Space seeds 8–12 inches apart to allow spreading. For containers, use shallow pots with drainage holes.

Watering Requirements:
Keep soil lightly moist during germination 💧. Once established, creeping thyme is drought-tolerant and requires only occasional watering. Avoid overwatering.

Germination Time:
Seeds typically germinate within 2–4 weeks ⏳ in warm conditions (65–75°F / 18–24°C). Growth may be slow at first but speeds up once established.

Ongoing Care:
Creeping thyme requires minimal maintenance 🌾. No fertilizer is usually needed. Trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth. The plant is hardy, withstands foot traffic, and releases a pleasant fragrance when stepped on. Harvest fresh leaves for cooking or enjoy the purple blooms in summer.