Let me tell you a secret: red creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum coccineus) is the closest thing to a magic carpet your garden will ever have. Imagine stepping outside to a lush, fragrant mat of green dotted with tiny crimson flowers that buzz with happy bees.
No mowing, no fertilizing, and it thrives on neglect. Sound too good to be true? I thought so too—until I replaced my sad, patchy lawn with this hardy little plant. Now, my neighbors stop to ask, “How did you do that?!” Let me spill all the dirt (pun intended) on growing red creeping thyme successfully.
Table of Contents
What Exactly is Red Creeping Thyme?
Before we dig in, let’s clear up confusion. Red creeping thyme isn’t the same as the thyme in your spice rack (Thymus vulgaris). This variety is a low-growing, spreading plant that’s all about covering ground, not flavoring soups.
- Appearance: Tiny evergreen leaves (in mild climates) with magenta-red blooms in early summer.
- Growth Habit: Spreads slowly via stems that root as they creep—think “friendly invader” that stays put.
- Hardiness: Survives winters in USDA zones 4–9.
Why Red Creeping Thyme is the Perfect Ground Cover
Here’s why it’s a rockstar:
- It’s tougher than a cactus. Forget watering—once established, it thrives on drought.
- Bees adore it. My thyme patch is like a pollinator nightclub in summer.
- It smells like a herb garden. Step on it, and you’ll get a whiff of earthy, lemony goodness.
- No lawnmower required. It stays under 3 inches tall, saving weekends for actual fun.
When to Plant Creeping Thyme
Timing is everything!
Best Time to Plant:
- Spring: After your last frost date.
- Early Fall: If you’re in a hot climate (Zones 7–9), plant in September to avoid summer heat stress.
How to Plant Creeping Thyme – A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Pick the Sunniest Spot in Your Yard
Red creeping thyme is a sun junkie. It needs 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily. Less sun = leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Pro Tip: Watch your yard for a day. Note which areas get the most sun. That’s your thyme’s future home!
Step 2: Soil Prep (No PhD Required!)
This plant hates “wet feet.” Here’s how to make soil thyme-friendly:
- Test Drainage: Dig a hole 12 inches deep, fill it with water. If it drains in 1–2 hours, you’re golden. If not, mix in:
- Coarse sand (for clay soil)
- Pea gravel (for slow-draining areas)
- Clear the Area: Rip out weeds, grass, and rocks. Thyme seedlings are wimps and hate competition.
- Loosen the Soil: Use a garden fork to aerate the top 6 inches. No need to go overboard—think “fluffy,” not “moonscape.”
Step 3: Planting—Seeds vs. Starter Plants
Option 1: Growing from Seeds (For Patient Gardeners)
I’ll be honest: seeds test your patience. But they’re cheap and great for large areas.
My Seed-Starting Routine:
- When: Early spring (after frost) or fall.
- Scatter seeds over soil—don’t bury them! They need light to germinate.
- Press seeds gently into the soil with your palm.
- Mist daily with a spray bottle. Keep soil damp but not soggy.
- Germination: Takes 2–3 weeks. Thin seedlings to 8–12 inches apart.
Seed Hack: Mix seeds with sand in a shaker bottle for even spreading. Works like a charm!
Related: Make the Best Seed Starting Mix at Home – 4 Easy Steps
Option 2: Starter Plants (For Instant Gratification)
Buy plugs from a local nursery or online.
Here’s how I plant them:
- Soak Roots: Dunk root balls in water for 10 minutes to hydrate.
- Dig Holes: Space plants 8–12 inches apart.
- Plant: Place in holes, backfill, and water deeply.
Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of mycorrhizal fungi to the planting hole. It boosts root growth—I saw results in 2 weeks!
Step 4: Watering—Less is More!
- First 2 weeks: Water daily to help roots settle.
- After that: Let nature handle it! Only water during 2+ week droughts.
Do not overwater!!!
How Fast Does Creeping Thyme Grow? (Spoiler: It’s Worth the Wait)
Patience, grasshopper! Here’s what to expect:
- Year 1: A cute but sparse patch.
- Year 2: Fills in beautifully. Sometimes, the lawn is fully covered by July!
- Spread Rate: 1–2 inches per month in ideal conditions.
Factors That Speed Up Growth:
- Full sun
- Sandy, well-draining soil
- Occasional light pruning after flowering
Fun Experiment: Try to plant thyme in two spots—one sunny, one partly shaded. The sunny patch should spread twice as fast!
Caring for Red Creeping Thyme: The Lazy Gardener’s Dream
Watering:
- Established Plants: Ignore them! They thrive on neglect.
- Potted Thyme: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Pruning:
- After Blooming: Use scissors to trim off spent flowers. This encourages business.
- Never Shear: Unlike boxwood, thyme hates being buzzed. Hand-prune instead.
Fertilizing:
Don’t! Thyme grows best in poor soil. Fertilizer makes it leggy and weak.
Pest Control:
- Aphids: Blast them off with a hose.
- Slugs: Sprinkle crushed eggshells around plants.
Tip: Mixing water and dish soap (1 tsp per quart) can stop mites from attacking your thyme.
Is Creeping Thyme Invasive? The Truth (No Hype!)
I’ve heard this myth a dozen times: “Won’t thyme take over my yard?!” Let’s set the record straight:
- Reality: Red creeping thyme spreads slowly and stays put. It’s not invasive like mint or bamboo.
- Control Tips:
Use metal or plastic edging around beds.
Pull stray stems in spring if they creep too far.
Creeping Thyme Lawn: How to Ditch Grass Forever
Tired of mowing? Here’s how to transform your lawn into a thyme paradise:
- Kill the Grass:
- Smother It: Lay cardboard over the grass for 6 weeks.
- Solarize: Cover with clear plastic in the summer (works best in hot climates).
- Prep the Soil: Follow the steps above.
- Planting: Use plugs spaced 6 inches apart for faster coverage.
- First-Year Care: Weed weekly until thyme fills in.
Growing Red Creeping Thyme from Seeds
- Cold Stratification: Put seeds in a damp paper towel in the fridge for 14 days before planting. Mimics winter and boosts germination.
- Indoor Starts: Sow seeds in trays 8 weeks before last frost. Use a grow light for stocky seedlings.
- Avoid Damping Off: Water seedlings from below (place tray in a water dish).
Where to Buy Red Creeping Thyme Seeds
You can buy red creeping thyme seeds from Amazon. Look for sellers with 100+ reviews—they’re usually reliable!
Fixes for Common Problems
Problem 1: No flowers.
Fix: More sun! Trim overhanging branches or move to a brighter spot.
Problem 2: Thyme looks scraggly.
Fix: Prune after blooming to encourage dense growth.
Problem 3: Yellow leaves.
Fix: Stop watering! Let soil dry out for 1–2 weeks.
Final Thoughts
Red creeping thyme isn’t just a plant—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Less work, more beauty, and happier pollinators. Whether you’re a busy parent, a new gardener, or someone who just hates mowing, this plant delivers.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a thriving ground cover that makes your yard the envy of the block!
Bonus article: If you are a senior or you just tired of crouching in the garden, read my “5 Gardening Stools That Combine Comfort and Joy” article to see my recommendations for stools that will help you enjoy the work in the garden.
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