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.