Red creeping thyme is a low-growing, mat-forming herb that makes an excellent ground cover. With its tiny leaves and tufts of pink or purple flowers, it can create a carpet of color in the garden. If you’re looking to add this visually appealing plant to your outdoor space, you’ll need to get your hands on some red creeping thyme seeds. The good news is that these seeds are readily available both online and at garden centers near you. In this article, we’ll look at where to find red creeping thyme seeds locally and review some top options to purchase.
An Overview of Red Creeping Thyme
Before diving into where to buy red creeping thyme seeds, let’s take a quick look at this charming plant. There are a few different varieties of creeping thyme, but one of the most popular is Thymus praecox ‘Coccineus’ This variety features bright crimson-pink blooms that appear in summer over a mat of tiny, aromatic, dark green leaves
Some key facts about red creeping thyme:
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Grows just 2-4 inches tall but spreads 12-18 inches wide.
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Tolerates light foot traffic.
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Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
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Once established takes drought heat, and some cold.
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Deer and rabbit resistant.
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Attracts pollinators!
With proper care, red creeping thyme makes an excellent ground cover for spaces like rock gardens, between stepping stones, in borders, cascading over walls, and more. The small leaves release a pleasant aroma when crushed.
Finding Red Creeping Thyme Seeds at Local Stores
One of the best places to find red creeping thyme seeds is your local independently-owned garden center. These small businesses often have a great selection of seeds for uncommon and specialty plants that you won’t find at big box stores. Ask at the counter if they carry any red creeping thyme seeds.
You’re most likely to find these seeds in stock in early spring when most people are buying seeds for the growing season. However, call ahead to see if any are still available later in the year.
Here are some tips for locating red creeping thyme seeds locally:
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Check independent garden centers, nurseries, and hardware stores with garden sections.
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Ask a store employee for recommendations if you don’t see the seeds on display.
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Call ahead to check availability so you don’t waste a trip.
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Look for seeds labeled as Thymus praecox ‘Coccineus’.
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Browse the herb section for thymes – seeds are often grouped together.
If the stores in your area don’t have any creeping thyme seeds in stock, you can also request they order some for you. Just ask!
Buying Red Creeping Thyme Seeds Online
If you strike out finding red creeping thyme seeds in local shops, purchasing them online is a cinch. There are many reputable sources for high quality seeds delivered right to your door.
When shopping online, look for a company that provides detailed information on the source of their seeds. Reputable sellers will often provide the botanical name, confirm the seeds are non-GMO, and may note if they are heirloom or open pollinated.
Here are some top places to buy red creeping thyme seeds online:
Earthwise Seed – This company offers 1/2 ounce packets of organic, non-GMO red creeping thyme seeds harvested in the US. Their “Thyme for a Change” seeds are specially selected for vigor and color.
Outsidepride – Look for their “Red Creeping” thyme seeds, sold in half ounce, one ounce, and five ounce packs for covering different sized areas. Seeds are non-GMO.
EdenBrothers – They sell half ounce packs of red creeping thyme sourced from heirloom varieties sustaining pollinators. Grown organically in the US.
AmericanMeadows – Look for the variety name “Coccineus” to find their certified organic red creeping thyme seeds in half ounce packages. Grown in the USA.
MIgardener – This Michigan based company sells half ounce packs of red creeping thyme seeds harvested from healthy, robust plants.
No matter where you choose to purchase red creeping thyme seeds, always look for fresh seeds packaged for the current growing season. Properly stored, the seeds should last for 2-3 years in a cool, dry location before germination rates start to decline.
How Many Seeds Should You Buy?
A half ounce packet of seeds will cover about 2-4 square feet, while a full ounce will cover 4-8 square feet. Buy more for larger spaces or if you want to harvest some thyme for cooking. On average, a half ounce packet contains around 8,000 seeds and a full ounce around 16,000 seeds.
To grow a nice little 3 foot by 2 foot thyme patch, a half ounce packet is plenty. If you’re thinking of using red creeping thyme as a complete lawn alternative, you may want several ounces of seeds or more.
Always check the coverage recommendations on the seed packet or website listing since densities can vary slightly.
When to Plant Red Creeping Thyme Seeds
One of the beauties of growing from seed is that you can start red creeping thyme anytime during the growing season! However, for optimal germination rates, aim to sow seeds in spring or fall.
Spring – Sow seeds outdoors 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost when soils have warmed. Spring planting allows the plants to establish before heat arrives.
Summer – Direct sow seeds outdoors if you have irrigation. Provide light shade and keep the soil moist. Germination will be slower in heat.
Fall – Sow seeds 6-8 weeks before first frost. Cooler temperatures are ideal for germination and growth before winter dormancy.
You can also start thyme indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost. Harden off seedlings before transplanting them outside.
Caring for Red Creeping Thyme from Seed
Red creeping thyme seeds are tiny like dust! Simply sprinkle them over prepared soil, then lightly rake or press them into the surface. Water gently to avoid displacing seeds.
Here are a few tips for care once seeded:
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Water seeds daily to keep moist until germination. Thyme needs consistent moisture to sprout.
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Weed early and often. Weeds will compete with tender seedlings.
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Clip off flowers the first year to promote root growth.
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Allow plants to spread, filling in over the season.
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Water during drought, thyme hates extended dry periods once established.
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Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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Cut thymes back halfway in spring to maintain dense growth habit.
With proper care, your red creeping thyme seeds will reward you with a glorious, fragrant carpet of color! It’s appingsaint and satisfying to grow from seed.
Ready to Add Red Creeping Thyme to Your Garden?
Red creeping thyme really shines when allowed to spread out and display its sheets of tiny leaves and flowers. If a red thyme living carpet sounds appealing for your landscape, get growing from seed!
This beauty is worth searching for in local shops and nurseries or taking the online buying route. With the right planting location and proper care, creeping thyme seeds will flourish, providing a glowing, aromatic ground cover you’re sure to love.
How to care for creeping thyme[image id=”64880″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Trimming creeping thyme. Jason Ingram” alt=”Trimming creeping thyme. Jason Ingram” classes=””] Trimming creeping thyme. Jason Ingram
Newly planted creeping thyme needs regular watering during dry spells for the first few months of the growing season. If no rain falls, water thoroughly two to three times a week, though take care not to over-water because creeping thyme is susceptible to waterlogging.
Over winter, autumn-planted creeping thyme benefits from protection from heavy rains or hard frosts in its first year. Once established, no regular care is needed apart from occasional trimming of older plants, or to restrict growth that spreads too far over paths and paving.
Where to grow creeping thyme[image id=”45041″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Thymus serpyllum. Jason Ingram” alt=”Thymus serpyllum. Jason Ingram” classes=””] Thymus serpyllum. Jason Ingram
Many thymes originate from Mediterranean regions, which is a useful indicator of their preference for sun and well-drained soil, preferably with a neutral to alkaline pH. Because creeping thyme is low-growing and spreading, growing a maximum of 5-10cm high and 20-30cm across, it suits a variety of sites including rockeries, raised beds, border edges, window boxes, living walls, green roofs, and shallow pots.
Red creeping thyme and ground cover thyme varieties
FAQ
Can I just scatter creeping thyme seeds?
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Timing:Plant creeping thyme seeds directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
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Soil Preparation:
- Prepare a clean seedbed by loosening the soil and removing weeds.
- Creeping thyme prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
- If you have a thick grass lawn, you may want to remove the grass for better results.
- Prepare a clean seedbed by loosening the soil and removing weeds.
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Sowing:
- Scatter the seeds evenly over the prepared area.
- Lightly press the seeds into the soil, ensuring good contact with the soil, but don’t cover them.
- You can use a salt shaker filled with rice to help with even distribution, especially since the seeds are tiny.
- Scatter the seeds evenly over the prepared area.
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Watering:
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy, until the seeds germinate (typically 14-21 days).
- You can use a soaker hose to provide gentle, even watering.
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy, until the seeds germinate (typically 14-21 days).
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Maintenance:
- Once established, creeping thyme is relatively low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.
- You may need to water during dry spells.
- You can trim the plants back after flowering to maintain their shape.
- Once established, creeping thyme is relatively low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.
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Starting Indoors:
- If you want to get a jump start, you can start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
- Transplant the seedlings into the garden after the danger of frost has passed, spacing them 6-12 inches apart.
- If you want to get a jump start, you can start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
What is the downside to red creeping thyme?
One of the biggest downsides of creeping thyme as a lawn alternative is that it doesn’t stand up to heavy foot traffic like turf does.Jan 26, 2024
Can you grow red creeping thyme from seeds?
Creeping Thyme is a perennial herb which will over-winter well in zones 4-9. Direct sow seeds outdoors in late spring when temperatures are consistently in the high 60’s or above. Seeds can also be started indoors 8-10 weeks before your average last frost date.
Does red creeping thyme spread fast?
Given full sun and well-drained soil, Red Creeping Thyme can spread up to 12-18 inches wide within a growing season, creating a dense, mat-like cover.
What is red creeping thymus?
Red Creeping Thyme Seeds 48940 – A glowing carpet of color There is a lot to love about Red Creeping Thymus coccineus. In early summer Red Creeping Thymus covers the floor of your garden in a sea of magenta or lavender-red. Red Creeping Thyme offers brilliant crimson-lavender flowers to carpet the early-summer garden floor.
What is creeping red thyme?
Thymus praecox Creeping Red, commonly known as Creeping Red Thyme, is a low-growing, spreading thyme variety renowned for its vibrant red to deep pink flowers and its dense, mat-forming habit. This perennial herb is part of the mint family and is valued not only for its culinary uses but also for its ornamental appeal in gardens and landscapes.
How many creeping thyme seeds are there?
3000+ Creeping Thyme Seeds for Planting (1g) – AKA. Breckland Thyme, Mother of Thyme, Wild Thyme, Thymus Serpyllum, Magic Carpet, Ground Cover Seeds, Flower | Heat & Drought Tolerant Only 14 left in stock – order soon. FREE delivery on $25 shipped by Amazon. FREE delivery on $25 shipped by Amazon. MITRAEE 2100 Creeping Thyme Flower Seeds Purple.
Can creeping red thyme grow in shade?
It’s capable of withstanding both cold winters and hot summers in these zones. Growing Conditions: Like most thymes, ‘Creeping Red’ prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens.
Is Thymus praecox creeping red good?
Overall, Thymus praecox ‘Creeping Red’ is a durable, attractive and useful plant that can add color, fragrance and texture to a variety of garden settings, from herb gardens to ornamental paths and beyond. How can we improve our product information? Provide feedback. Is creeping thyme safe for animals, particularly dogs and cats?
Does Home Depot sell Thymus praecox?
To verify or get additional information, please contact The Home Depot customer service. Thymus praecox Creeping Red, commonly known as Creeping Red Thyme, is a low-growing, spreading thyme variety renowned for its vibrant red to deep pink flowers and its dense, mat-forming habit.