#Creeping mother of thyme between pavers full#

It takes some doing to rid the area of all the existing grass. The biggest problem with using thyme to replace grass is the work it will take preparing the site. Types with short stems spend less energy spreading and more making leaves and roots. Those with long segments between leaves cover ground quickly but end up being much less dense. If you have a shady area, such as from an overgrown tree, creeping thyme responds with poor flowering and reduced spreading.Īll creeping thymes spread by sending stems along the ground’s surface to periodically grow leaves and roots. Creeping thyme relies on this energy production for spreading speed and successful flowering.

#Creeping mother of thyme between pavers full#

Small leaves across the stem segments need a full sunlight location to adequately photosynthesize. How do you encourage creeping thyme to spread?

Create your own “plugs” by planting 2 to 3 seeds in each nursery tray cell. Planting Indoors: You can get a head start on your creeping thyme at least six weeks before your last spring frost. For planting a 1” space between pavers, we would recommend one packet per 6-10 feet. Thyme seed is very, very small so the amount of area you can sow really depends on your sowing method. How many creeping thyme seeds do I need per square foot? Stem segments grow faster without having to produce tightly knit sets of leaves. Some thymes produce sets of leaves very close together while others are spaced further apart. Just like all plants, thyme plants spread by growing from one set of leaves to the next. It has a maximum growth height of about four inches, which is considered the ideal height for lawns, and beautiful pink, purple or blue flowers. Will creeping thyme choke out other plants?Ĭreeping Thyme Creeping Thyme spreads by sending runners underground that choke out other plants, including weeds. Some of the best companions for thyme are: They will grow best in full sun, although they will tolerate some shade. Like most herb plants, creeping thyme seems to thrive in poor soils. Where does creeping thyme grow best?Ĭreeping thyme plants grow best in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. For growing indoors, sow seeds in organic potting soil, either in trays or two-inch containers.

Seeds typically germinate within seven to 21 days at 65 to 70☏. Sow seeds either indoors, in a greenhouse, or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. How long does it take to grow creeping thyme? How do you plant creeping thyme between pavers?ġ2 to 24 inches apart Space thyme plants 12 to 24 inches apart in a very sunny area with fertile, well-drained soil with a pH close to 7.0.What happens if you mow over creeping thyme?.Can I plant creeping thyme and lavender together?.How do you encourage creeping thyme to spread?.How much creeping thyme seed do I need?.How many creeping thyme seeds do I need per square foot?.Will creeping thyme choke out other plants?.What can I plant next to creeping thyme?.How long does it take to grow creeping thyme?.This plant blooms profusely in early summer but does not compete well with other plants. Creeping thyme is also known as mother-of-thyme and will form a dense, low, evergreen mat. It may be used as a turf substitute in some landscapes where foot traffic is light. Where can I plant creeping thyme?Ĭreeping thyme is perfect for rock walkways and for use around stepping stones. It is considered non-aggressive and may be started from stem cuttings or by dividing another plant. This thyme is used in rock gardens or borders as well as the herb garden. The intensity of lemon thyme’s fragrance can vary between individual plants, but the scent is lemony and spicy. Harvest cooking thyme by cutting two to three inches of stem tips. This standard kitchen herb has attractive, green foliage and edible, lavender flowers. Cooking thyme may be started from seed or by dividing another cooking thyme plant. Although not reliably hardy over the winter, it may be grown as an annual. There are more than 400 species of thyme, but cooking thyme is most often grown in a kitchen garden.