Creeping Thyme Seeds - Thymus serpyllum

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

USDA Zones 4-9 - Creeping Thyme grows as an extremely hardy, low-maintenance, evergreen perennial groundcover. It is well-suited to a wide range of climates.

Best Performance in Zones 4-8 where it benefits from a distinct winter dormancy period and thrives in full sun without being overly stressed by extreme humidity.

Northern Zones (4-5) - Exceptionally cold hardy. It will reliably overwinter, especially with the protection of a consistent snow cover. It is one of the toughest groundcovers for cold climates.

Hot Climate Zones (8-9) - Tolerates heat very well, but excellent drainage is absolutely critical to prevent root rot, especially in regions with high humidity or wet winters. Ensure good air circulation and plant in sandy or gravelly soil for best results.

Soil Temperature - Germination is best when soil temperatures are between 65-70 degrees F. Seeds are small and can be slow to sprout.

Growing Season - As a perennial, it will be slow to establish from seed in its first year, focusing on root growth. It will begin to spread and will flower much more prolifically in its second year and beyond.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. For direct sowing, plant outdoors in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.

Where to Plant:
Full sun (6-8+ hours per day) is essential for a dense, healthy mat. The single most important requirement is excellent drainage. Creeping Thyme thrives in sandy, gritty, or rocky soil and will rot in heavy clay or consistently wet conditions. It's a perfect choice for areas where other plants might struggle due to poor, dry soil.

How to Plant:

Sowing: Creeping Thyme seeds are very fine and require light to germinate.

Indoor Start: Press seeds onto the surface of a moist seed-starting mix in a tray. Do not cover with soil, but you can lightly dust with fine vermiculite. Keep moist and warm until germination.

Direct Sow: Clear the area of all weeds. Mix the tiny seeds with a small amount of sand to help distribute them evenly. Scatter the seed/sand mix over the prepared area. Gently press the area with your hand or the back of a rake to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

Spacing/Thinning: Once seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to be about 6-12 inches apart. They will fill in the space over time.

Care & Maintenance:

Watering: Water regularly and gently to keep the soil moist during germination and while the seedlings are young. Once the plants are established, they are extremely drought-tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure.

Fertilizing: Do not fertilize. Creeping Thyme thrives in lean, poor soil and fertilizer can lead to weak, leggy growth.

Maintenance: This is a very low-maintenance plant. If desired, you can shear the plants back after they finish flowering to neaten their appearance and encourage denser growth.

Patience: Be patient! Establishing a full mat of creeping thyme from seed takes time. The plants will appear small in the first year, but they will take off and begin to spread in their second season.