(Get these tips for growing plants from seeds.) It typically takes 2 to 3 weeks for thyme seeds to germinate. Sow seeds indoors in early spring or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
May be started from seeds or nursery starts.
Elfin thyme succlents full#
Where to plant:Ī site that receives full sun (at least 6 hours daily) is best for optimal flowering, but plants will also tolerate light shade. Avoid planting during the heat of the summer, when it’s difficult for plants to become established. In spring, after the threat of frost has passed, or in early fall. Common thyme ( Thymus vulgaris) is a better choice for culinary purposes. Special attributes:Īlthough both the flowers and leaves are edible, they are generally not used for cooking because the fragrance and flavor are inconsistent. Though it can spread quickly once established, creeping thyme is not invasive and easy to manage. The stems take root where they come in contact with the soil, with new shoots forming at the point where rooting occurs. Method of spreading:īy trailing stems that sprawl out horizontally from a central root system. Often semi-evergreen or evergreen in areas with mild winters. May be dark green, olive green, or gray-green, depending on the cultivar. Slightly hairy and elliptical, growing to 1/4 inch in length. Usually in shades of pink or purple, although some cultivars have red or white blooms. Star- or bell-shaped, measuring about 1/8 inch across. However, they should flower prolifically the following spring. Plants may not flower during their first growing season because they will be focusing all their energy on root development. Late spring to early summer, with the blooms lasting for 3 to 4 weeks. Plants may be slightly taller when in bloom. On this page: Basics | Planting | Care | Pictures | Landscaping IdeasĬreeping thyme, mother of thyme, wild thyme Plant type:ġ to 4 inches tall, spreading up to 18 inches. As a bonus, creeping thyme creates a colorful floral carpet in late spring, when it bursts into a profusion of dainty pink or purple flowers. Not only does this drought-tolerant perennial require much less water than traditional turf grass, it also spreads quickly to fill in bare spots. If you’ve only thought of thyme as a plant for the herb garden, you may be surprised to discover that there are also several creeping varieties valued more for their ornamental attributes than their culinary qualities.įorming a dense, ground-hugging mat of tiny evergreen leaves, creeping thyme is ideal for use as a foot-friendly groundcover to fill gaps between stepping stones and patio pavers, where the foliage will release its heady herbal scent whenever you tiptoe through it.īecause of its ability to withstand moderate foot traffic, creeping thyme can also be used as an easy-care lawn substitute, especially on sunny hillsides and slopes. Carefully fill the holes that are left by removing 50% of the plants with some sandy soil and tamp it down.Red creeping thyme. The only problem with this is that your lawn may no longer be flat.
I would carefully figure out which ones will get moved in the future, so that the spacing stays about right – each plant will grow to around 40-50cm across, so if you plant them approximately 20cm apart, eventually you could move half of them to the right distance. I don’t recommend planting too closely to get instant results, although if you want to try this then re-space later, there is merit to this idea. Thyme is slow to get established, but then makes up for it with good growth the third year on. Your thyme lawn will still take up to three seasons to fill in. If it’s plugs, I don’t recommend it as the plugs are so small that it’s more trouble than it’s worth.Įither way, you will have to be patient, as thyme has its own schedule.Īll you can do is provide the right soil (extremely well drained, with a small amount of nutrients such as worm castings sprinkled around before planting) and some moisture to get them started. I’m guessing you have straight flats of thyme that has all grown together? This is fine to cut into pieces, each with their own roots. Does it hurt the thyme if I plant the flats all close together for instant gratification? If I should cut them, how big and how far apart should the pieces be. I want to end up with a thyme lawn (sooner rather than later!). I have flats of elfin thyme to plant and want to know if I need to cut them up.
0 kommentar(er)
