Transform Your Garden with Fragrant, Spreading Wild Thyme!

Creeping Thyme (Thymus pulegioides), also known as Lemon Thyme, Larger Thyme, and Broad-Leaf Thyme, is a fragrant, drought-tolerant perennial native to northwest Europe. Plants form dense, low-growing mats that make an exceptional groundcover — beautiful, functional, and virtually maintenance-free. Standing just 6–12 inches tall, it bursts into lavender blooms each summer, attracting honey bees and wild bees to your garden.

Beyond its ornamental appeal, Wild Thyme has a long history of medicinal use — traditionally taken to support respiratory health, kidney and bladder function, circulation, and more.

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🌿 Plant Specifications

• Latin Name: Thymus pulegioides
• Season: Perennial
• USDA Zones: 3 – 9
• Height: 6 – 12 inches
• Bloom Season: Summer
• Bloom Color: Purple / Lavender
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Environment: Full sun to partial shade
• Foot Traffic: Light
• Deer Resistant: Yes
• Attracts Pollinators: Yes — honey bees and wild bees

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🌱 Planting Directions

• Germination Temperature: 70°F (21°C)
• Average Germination Time: 14 – 21 days (up to 28 days)
• Light Required: Yes — do not bury seeds
• Depth: Do not cover; press lightly into soil surface
• Soil Type: Well-drained, pH 5.8 – 6.8
• Sowing Rate: 1/8 lb per 5,000 sq ft
• Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination

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💧 Care Guide

Before Planting: Thyme grows slowly from seed — germination can take up to 28 days. Start seeds indoors and scatter on top of the soil without covering, or cover only lightly.

Watering: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Thyme is drought-tolerant once established.

Fertilizer: Add a continuous-release fertilizer at planting and again each spring. Alternatively, fertilize every two weeks with fish emulsion or liquid seaweed diluted by half.

Containers: If growing in containers, repot every season as roots may outgrow the pot.

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✂️ Harvesting

• Days to Maturity: ~85 days — harvest before flowers open
• Method: Cut plant 2 inches from the ground. Allow new growth to develop but do not harvest it — this strengthens the plant for winter.
• Tip: Stop harvesting one month before the first fall frost. After harvesting, lay thyme in single layers on newspaper in the shade. Once dry, rub leaves to separate them from stems easily.

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🍃 Medicinal Uses

Parts of the Wild Thyme flower have been used medicinally to treat respiratory problems (coughs, bronchitis, swollen airways), kidney and bladder issues, poor blood circulation, high cholesterol, and colic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Creeping Thyme take to germinate?

Creeping Thyme typically germinates in 14–21 days at 70°F, though it can take up to 28 days. Thyme is a slow grower from seed, so patience is key — keep the soil moist and warm for best results.

Does Creeping Thyme come back every year?

Yes! Thymus pulegioides is a perennial plant, meaning it will return year after year in USDA Zones 3–9. It is also quite cold-hardy, especially if you stop harvesting a month before the first fall frost.

Can I grow Creeping Thyme in containers or pots?

Absolutely. Creeping Thyme grows well in containers. Just make sure to repot every season, as the roots tend to outgrow smaller pots. Use well-draining soil and place in a sunny spot.

Is Creeping Thyme deer resistant?

Yes — Creeping Thyme is deer resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with deer pressure. It also attracts beneficial pollinators like honey bees and wild bees.

How do I harvest and dry Creeping Thyme?

Harvest by cutting the plant about 2 inches from the ground before the flowers open (around 85 days). Lay the cuttings in single layers on newspaper in a shaded area. Once dry, simply rub the stems and the leaves will separate easily.