Purple Creeping Thyme

Purple Creeping Thyme is a charming ground cover plant with vibrant purple blooms that add a burst of color to any garden. This low-growing perennial is technically a dwarf subshrub that grows a low cushion of tiny, pointed, glossy blue-green leaves that turn bronze in the fall. Purple Creeping Thyme reaches 4-6 inches in height, creating a dense carpet of highly fragrant purple blooms plush evergreen foliage. Perfect for filling in gaps between stepping stones, along borders, or in rock gardens, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. The tiny purple flowers not only brighten up the landscape but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing the natural beauty of your garden. This resilient plant is drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance option for busy gardeners. Its fragrant leaves release a delightful scent when crushed, perfect for adding a touch of fresh aroma to your outdoor space. Purple Creeping Thyme’s ability to withstand foot traffic makes it a wonderful choice for creating beautiful, functional ground cover that requires minimal upkeep.

Also Known As: Purple Creeping Thyme, Creeping Thyme, Thymus Serpyllum, Mother of Thyme, Breckland Thyme, Wild Thyme, Ground Thyme, Elfin Thyme, Creeping Wild Thyme, Common Thyme, Low-growing Thyme, Thymus Vulgaris, Blue Creeping Thyme.

Plant Name:	Thyme, Creeping Purple
Latin Name:	Thymus serpyllum
Days to Germinate:	7-21
Days to Bloom:	90-100
Plant Height:	2- 3 Inches
Spread:	12 - 18 Inches
Bloom Diameter:	1/2 Inch Clusters
Growth Habit:	Spreading
USDA Zones:	4-9
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 12 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally cold-stratify seeds for at least 30 days then start planting indoors in containers 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant after the first hard frost in early Spring to cold-stratify seeds. Plants will germinate in late Spring when the soil warms to at least 60F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights. For blooms in late Spring of the following year, sow outdoors after the first hard frost in Fall to cold-stratify seeds.

To plant, make holes 1/8 inch deep and spaced 6-12 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 6-12 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/8 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	6-12 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	1-2 feet

Care During the Season:

Purple Creeping Thyme enjoys regular watering,especially during dry spells. However, be sure to allow the soil to dry out between watering, as overwatering can cause root rot. Creeping thyme prefers well-drained soil, and if your soil tends to retain moisture, consider improving drainage with sand or gravel. Fertilization is not necessary, as it thrives in poor soil, but a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring can encourage healthy growth. Regular pruning after blooming helps maintain its shape and prevents it from becoming leggy, and cutting it back after flowering also encourages fresh growth for the following season. A light layer of mulch can help retain moisture during hot months, but avoid piling it too thickly.