Creeping thyme is a wonderful plant to have in your garden or landscape. It not only adds beauty with its delicate flowers and aromatic foliage, but it also has the ability to spread and fill in spaces over time. So, to answer your question, yes, creeping thyme will keep spreading once it is established.
The best time to start planting creeping thyme is in the spring. You can either sow seeds directly into the soil or purchase potted nursery starts from a local garden center. Starting from seeds may take a bit longer for the plant to establish, but it can be a rewarding process to watch them grow from tiny seeds into a lush carpet of thyme.
Once planted, creeping thyme will typically be a slow-to-moderate grower in its first year. This is because the plant is focusing its energy on establishing a strong root system. During this time, it’s important to provide regular watering and ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
In subsequent years, you will start to see the creeping thyme spread more quickly. As it matures, it will send out runners that root themselves in the soil, allowing the plant to expand and fill in gaps. This is when the true beauty of creeping thyme shines, as it creates a dense, low-growing carpet of foliage and flowers.
I have personally experienced the spreading nature of creeping thyme in my own garden. I planted a small patch of thyme a few years ago, and now it has expanded to cover a large area. It’s a delight to see how it fills in spaces between stepping stones and spills over the edges of flower beds. It also provides a lovely fragrance when walked upon, releasing its aroma with every step.
To encourage the spreading of creeping thyme, you can take a few steps. First, avoid using herbicides or weed killers near the thyme, as these can inhibit its growth and spread. Instead, hand-pull any weeds that may appear or use organic weed control methods.
You can also help the thyme spread by gently pulling apart the plant and replanting the divisions in bare areas. This will encourage new growth and expansion. Additionally, lightly pruning the thyme after it has finished flowering can promote a more compact and dense growth habit, allowing it to fill in gaps more effectively.
Creeping thyme is a beautiful and versatile plant that will continue to spread and fill in spaces over time. Whether you start from seeds or nursery starts, it may take a year or two for the thyme to establish itself, but once it does, it will reward you with a lush carpet of foliage and flowers. So, go ahead and plant some creeping thyme in your garden and watch it spread its beauty for years to come.
