Thyme, Creeping
(Mother of Thyme)
Thymus serpyllum
[About 600 seeds/packet]

This low growing (3 to 6 inches) plant is often planted between the stones or bricks in garden paths for its beauty and sweet aroma.

A native to Northern Europe, it is similar in plant structure to 'Garden Thyme' but tends to be lower growing (shorter stems between leaves) and spreading in habit.

Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires little to moderate amounts of water.  Prefers well drained soil.

Can be propagated by division of after the plants are mature and established.

It has been used for its reported properties in decongestants, as an antiseptic, cough remedy and a digestive aid. Perennial.

USDA Zones 4-9.

FAQ

Q. - Coverage and Quantity:  We are often asked about the area a seed packet will cover.  The question is a bit difficult to answer as it depends on time. That is, under perfect conditions, each seed has the potential to grow into a plant.  Each plant, in time will spread to over about 10 to 12 square inches.  The seeds are tiny.  According to our supplier, there are about 2.7 million seeds per pound.  So if our calculation is correct, there should be several hundred seeds in a packet.

Q. - Plant Height:  Thymus serpyllum is the "wild" form of Creeping Thyme.  The height of the plant is typically from 3 to 6 inches but under certain conditions can reportedly reach ten inches.  Plantings in pathways tend to be naturally "pruned" by the foot traffic and trained to adopt a lower growing habit.

According to The American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, there are about 350 species in the Thymus (Thyme) genus.  Many of these are cultivated varieties of hybrid origins and some are very dense and mat forming in habit.  We do not carry or have a source for these hybrid cultivars.