As someone who has spent a good deal of time gardening and exploring herbs, I’ve become quite fond of Thymus Serpyllum—also known as wild thyme or creeping thyme. It’s a versatile plant that’s not only beautiful but useful in many ways. I often get asked a lot about it, so I thought it would be helpful to share my personal insights and answer some frequently asked questions. If you’ve ever wondered how to plant Thymus Serpyllum, or if Thymus Serpyllum is edible, or the differences between Thymus Serpyllum vs Praecox and Thymus Serpyllum vs Thymus Vulgaris, this article will help clear things up.
How to Plant Thymus Serpyllum
When I first started planting Thymus Serpyllum, I was keen to get it right because this herb thrives best under certain conditions. The key is to plant it in well-draining soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH. I recommend planting it in a sunny location because it loves full sun—this helps it grow thick and lush.
I usually prepare the soil by loosening it and adding some sand or grit if it tends to retain too much moisture. Once you have your soil ready, scatter the seeds or plant small plugs about 6 to 12 inches apart to give them space to spread. If you’re using cuttings, plant them similarly. Water it lightly after planting, but be careful not to overwater. Once established, Thymus Serpyllum is quite drought tolerant.
Is Thymus Serpyllum Edible?
I often get asked if Thymus Serpyllum is edible, and yes, it definitely is. It’s actually quite flavorful and makes a wonderful addition to dishes. The leaves have a mild, pleasant thyme flavor, slightly sweeter and less pungent than the common culinary thyme (Thymus Vulgaris). I use it fresh in salads, soups, and marinades, and it also dries well for seasoning.
Beyond cooking, Thymus Serpyllum has traditional uses in herbal teas and remedies, appreciated for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. So yes, it’s edible, and it’s a great little herb to grow for both culinary and medicinal uses.
When to Plant Thymus Serpyllum
Timing can make all the difference. From my experience, when to plant Thymus Serpyllum depends on your climate, but generally, the best time is in early spring or early fall. Planting in early spring gives the herb a whole growing season to establish itself before winter. In milder climates, fall planting also works well because the roots can develop while the weather is cooler, leading to vigorous spring growth.
If you’re starting from seed indoors, sow about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost, then transplant seedlings outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.
Thymus Serpyllum vs Praecox
Comparing Thymus Serpyllum vs Praecox, I notice some distinct differences, especially in growth habits and flowering. Thymus Praecox tends to grow taller and more upright, sometimes reaching 6-12 inches in height, whereas Thymus Serpyllum is a low-growing, creeping variety that spreads more widely and hugs the ground.
Flower colors differ slightly too: Praecox usually has lighter pink flowers, while Serpyllum’s flowers lean towards deeper purples. Both have a similar aromatic profile, but Serpyllum is more commonly used as ground cover in gardens because of its spreading habit.
Thymus Serpyllum vs Thymus Vulgaris
This is a comparison I get all the time. Thymus Serpyllum vs Thymus Vulgaris boils down to usage, growth habit, and flavor intensity. Thymus Vulgaris, the common culinary thyme, grows upright and woody, with a stronger, more pungent aroma and flavor. It’s often used in Mediterranean cooking.
Thymus Serpyllum, on the other hand, is a creeping groundcover with a milder flavor and a sweeter scent. While both are edible and useful, I prefer Serpyllum for ornamental purposes and ground cover because of its dense, mat-forming growth and beautiful flowers. Vulgaris is my go-to when I want a robust thyme flavor in cooking.
Additional Tips: Caring for Thymus Serpyllum
From my experience, once planted, Thymus Serpyllum requires minimal care. It thrives in poor soils and resists drought well, making it perfect for low-maintenance gardens. It prefers good air circulation and doesn’t like to stay wet, so avoid overwatering and heavy mulch around the base.
Pruning after flowering encourages new growth and keeps the plant tidy. Also, watch for pests like spider mites or aphids, though they rarely pose a significant problem.
Summary
In summary, Thymus Serpyllum is a fantastic herb to grow whether you want a resilient groundcover or an edible plant with culinary and medicinal value. I’ve learned that planting it in sunny, well-drained soil and timing your planting correctly sets you up for success. Understanding its differences from related varieties like Praecox and Vulgaris helps tailor its use in your garden or kitchen.
If i die, water my plants!
