How to Thymus Serpyllum – Creeping Thyme
Embrace a fragrant journey with Thymus Serpyllum – Creeping Thyme! This hardy perennial forms a stunning evergreen carpet of bright green foliage, releasing a delightful aroma with every step. Perfect for sunny spots and paved areas, Thymus Serpyllum – Creeping Thyme offers vibrant pinkish-purple blooms in summer, attracting beneficial pollinators to your garden. Additionally, its edible leaves add a unique peppery flavour to culinary creations.
A Fragrant Tapestry Underfoot:
- Evergreen charm: Lush green foliage forms a dense mat, adding texture and year-round appeal.
- Summer spectacle: Delicate pinkish-purple flowers add a pop of colour in June and July.
- Pollinator haven: Attracts butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, supporting your ecosystem.
- Edible delight: Enjoy the peppery flavour of leaves in salads, sauces, or infused oils.
- Low-maintenance: thrives in well-drained soil with minimal care.
- Hardy hero: Withstands UK winters, returning year after year.
Cultivating Your Fragrant Carpet:
Planting:
- Direct sow outdoors: Sow directly into prepared soil from March to April or September to October.
- Spacing: Sow seeds thinly and lightly cover with soil. Seedlings will germinate in 1-2 weeks.
- Alternatively: Plant potted seedlings at a spacing of 30cm apart.
Growing Needs:
- Sunlight: Full sun for optimal growth and flowering.
- Soil: Well-drained soil, even poor soil is tolerated.
- Watering: Water regularly during dry periods, but avoid overwatering.
- Feeding: Not necessary, but a light feeding in spring with a general-purpose fertilizer can be beneficial.
Harvesting & Enjoying:
- Pick leaves regularly: Harvest young leaves throughout the growing season to encourage further growth.
- Culinary inspiration: Use fresh or dried leaves in various dishes, or infuse olive oil for a unique flavour.
- Enjoy the fragrance: Simply brush against the leaves to release their delightful aroma.
Bonus Tips:
- Separating: Once established (after 2-3 years), large clumps can be separated in March-May.
- Trimming: Trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- Companion planting: Plant near vegetables like cabbage or broccoli to deter pests naturally.
Embrace the beauty, fragrance, and culinary delights of Thymus Serpyllum – Creeping Thyme! Order your plants today and add a touch of charm and practicality to your garden.
Discover more view our entire flower seed range or vegetable seed range.