Creeping Thyme [Thymus serpyllum hort.]

The perennial creeping thyme is a hardy, drought-tolerant and ground-covering wild spice and medicinal plant. Tea herb for poor soils and dry open spaces. Evergreen with an aromatic lemon scent. Ideal for direct sowing or pre-cultivation, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvesting the leaves.

 Description 
Creeping thyme, also known as sand thyme, is a perennial ground-covering wild herb and medicinal plant from the cool to temperate regions of Central, Eastern and Northern Europe. This hardy species is drought tolerant and can also thrive in subtropical climates and is used as a ground cover on poor and sunny soils. The robust and evergreen plant forms numerous shoots that are densely covered with pink flowers in summer. The taste of the linear to narrowly elliptical leaves is similar to that of real thyme with an aromatic lemon scent. The leaves can be dried, used fresh in the kitchen or for a medicinal tea.

 General information 
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 80 days
Plant height approx.: 15 cm
Root type: Deep and shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -25°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich sandy loam soil

pH value: 7 to 8

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 16-20 °C
Germination time: 7-21 days
Plant and row spacing: 25x25 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Wild strawberries, Rosemary, Sage
Unfavorable mixed culture: Marigold, Basil

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from February to September is recommended. The plants should ideally be in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March to June is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing. Pre-cultivation is also advisable.
Creeping thyme prefers a permeable, nutrient-rich, moderately dry, slightly calcareous, sandy or humus-rich loamy soil. This robust species also thrives in normal loamy soils. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or cuttings.

 Plant care 
Loosened, nutrient-rich soil is sufficient. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Thymus serpyllum hort.
English names: Creeping thyme, Carpet thyme
German names: Kriechender Thymian, Teppich-Thymian, Feld Thymian, Sand Thymian, Quendel, Wilder Thymian, Feldkümmel, Rainkümmel
Portuguese names: Tomilho Serpão
Spanish names: Tomillo de alfombra
French names: Thym à tapis

 Origin 
Country: Portugal