Creeping Thyme [Thymus serpyllum hort.]

The creeping thyme, also known as sand thyme, is a perennial ground-covering wild spice and medicinal plant from the cool to temperate areas 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 which are densely covered with pink flowers in summer. The taste of the linear to narrow elliptical leaves is similar to that of real thyme with an aromatic lemon scent. The leaves can be used dried, fresh in the kitchen or for a healing tea.

General information
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 80 days
Plant height approx.: 15 cm
Root type: Deep Root
Nutrient requirements: Weak Eaters
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -25 °C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, dry, loamy, sandy, humic, calcareous

pH value: 7 to 8

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

Optimal mixed culture: -
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from February to December.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from March to June.

General
When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds in small pots and let the seedlings grow to the first visible thyme leaves. Then plant the pregrown plants from the pots directly into the open field. The seedlings are planted in the bed from the 2nd pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
Thyme prefers a sunny location with a permeable, nutrient-rich, humus-rich and sandy loam soil. Prepare the soil with seasoned animal manure. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil, we recommend additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock powder.

Type of propagation
It spreads via seeds or cuttings.

Plant care
Regular watering causes faster growth. Beds prepared with animal manure and planting in mixed culture replace additional fertilizer.

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

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