Heirloom

Creeping

Thymus serpyllum

Wikimedia Commons

Creeping is an heirloom herb variety characterized by its low-growing, spreading growth habit that makes it ideal for ground cover or container cultivation. Reaching maturity in 90-95 days, this easy-to-grow herb thrives in full sun and well-drained soil while tolerating poor soil conditions remarkably well. The creeping form sets it apart from upright varieties, offering both ornamental appeal and practical utility in herb gardens.

Harvest

90-95d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

4–9

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

2-3 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Creeping in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 herb →

Zone Map

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Creeping · Zones 4–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing12-18 inches

SoilWell-drained soil, tolerates poor soil conditions

WaterDrought tolerant once established; moderate water during initial growth phase

SeasonPerennial

ColorLavender

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	—	July – October
Zone 4	March – April	June – July	—	July – October
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	—	June – October
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	—	June – November
Zone 7	February – March	April – June	—	June – November
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	—	May – December
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	—	April – December
Zone 10	January – January	February – April	—	April – December

Complete Growing Guide

Slender, creeping stems and round leaves with lavender blooms. Can withstand light foot traffic and gives off pleasant aroma when walked upon. Drought tolerant once established. Perennial in Zones 5-8. According to Johnny's Selected Seeds, Creeping is 90 - 95 days to maturity, perennial, open pollinated. Notable features: Grows Well in Containers, Attracts Beneficial Insects.

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry, Very Dry. Height: 0 ft. 2 in. - 0 ft. 3 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 3 in. - 0 ft. 10 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed.

Harvesting

Creeping reaches harvest at 90 - 95 days from sowing per Johnny's Selected Seeds.

The fruit is a schizocarp and has four locules or small separate cavities. When the fruit dries, it will split into four sections. Each section contains the seeds.

Type: Schizocarp. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.

Harvest time: Fall

Edibility: This plant is primarily ornamental and is rarely used in cooking.

Storage & Preservation

# Storage and Preservation

Harvest creeping thyme after 90 days when stems are woody but leaves remain vibrant. Store fresh sprigs in a sealed container lined with damp paper towel, refrigerated at 35–40°F; they'll keep 7–10 days. For longer preservation, hang-dry bundles in a warm, dark, well-ventilated space—leaves should crumble easily when ready, typically within two weeks. Strip dried leaves from stems and store in airtight jars away from light. Freezing works well: chop fresh leaves, pack into ice cube trays with water or olive oil, and pop out once solid. The low-growing, spreading habit of this variety means you can harvest selectively from outer edges without killing the plant, allowing successive cuttings throughout the season for continuous drying projects.

History & Origin

Creeping is open-pollinated, meaning seed saved from healthy plants will produce true-to-type offspring. Listed in the Johnny's Selected Seeds catalog.

Origin: Northern Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa

Advantages

+Tolerates foot traffic better than most ground cover plants
+Releases pleasant aroma when stepped on or brushed
+Drought tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering
+Blooms with attractive lavender flowers for extended periods
+Low maintenance perennial suitable for zones five through eight

Considerations

-Susceptible to root rot in poorly drained or waterlogged soils
-Can struggle to establish in first year without consistent moisture
-Spreads slowly compared to aggressive ground cover alternatives

Companion Plants

Tomatoes, cabbage, and eggplant all make sensible neighbors because creeping thyme maxes out at 2–3 inches tall and doesn't compete for light or root depth. The more practical reason to plant it along row edges is aromatic interference — thyme's volatile oils (thymol and carvacrol, specifically) can disrupt the host-finding behavior of cabbage loopers and aphids that locate host plants by scent. NC State Extension notes that interplanting breaks up blocks of pest-preferred crops and slows early damage spread, which is exactly what a low thyme border does between brassica rows. Strawberries are a natural fit spatially too: both want full sun, gritty soil, and restrained irrigation.

Keep thyme well away from mint — not for any chemical reason, but because mint spreads by underground runners and will physically crowd out a creeping thyme mat inside a single growing season. Black walnut is the harder prohibition: it produces juglone, a compound that leaches through the soil and is toxic to a wide range of plants. Cilantro is a less dramatic problem, but it bolts fast, reseeds chaotically, and turns into a weed-management headache before thyme has had a chance to fill in.

Plant Together

Tomatoes

Creeping thyme acts as living mulch and repels hornworms and other tomato pests

Strawberries

Provides ground cover, suppresses weeds, and may enhance strawberry flavor

Roses

Repels aphids and other rose pests while providing attractive ground cover

Cabbage

Deters cabbage worms and flea beetles with its aromatic oils

Lavender

Both prefer similar well-drained soil and complement each other's pest-repelling properties

Eggplant

Acts as living mulch and repels flea beetles that commonly attack eggplant

Oregano

Similar growing requirements and creates beneficial aromatic herb carpet

Sage

Compatible Mediterranean herbs that enhance each other's growth and pest resistance

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone which is toxic to many plants including thyme

Mint

Extremely aggressive spreader that will overwhelm and outcompete creeping thyme

Cilantro

Requires more water and different soil conditions, may inhibit thyme's aromatic oil production

Nutrition Facts

Calories

23kcal(1%)

Protein

3.15g(6%)

Fiber

1.6g(6%)

Carbs

2.65g(1%)

Fat

0.64g(1%)

Vitamin C

18mg(20%)

Vitamin A

264mcg(29%)

Vitamin K

415mcg(346%)

Iron

3.17mg(18%)

Calcium

177mg(14%)

Potassium

295mg(6%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #172232)

Troubleshooting Creeping

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Seedlings collapse at soil level within the first 2 weeks after germination — stems look pinched or water-soaked at the base

Likely Causes

Damping off (Pythium spp. or Rhizoctonia solani) — triggered by overwatering and poor drainage in seed trays
Overcrowded seed trays that trap humidity and restrict airflow

What to Do

1.Water only when the top of the seed mix is dry to the touch; creeping thyme wants lean, dry conditions even as a seedling
2.Thin seedlings to at least 1 inch apart in trays so air can move between them
3.Cut standard potting mix with 20–30% perlite to ensure fast drainage from day one

Established plants show brown, mushy stems at the crown and begin dying back in patches, usually after a wet stretch

Likely Causes

Root rot (Phytophthora spp.) from waterlogged or compacted soil — creeping thyme has near-zero tolerance for standing water once established
Siting in shade or a low spot where soil stays wet longer than 24 hours after rain

What to Do

1.Dig up the affected section, cut away any black or slimy roots, and replant in a raised bed or a spot amended with coarse sand or gravel
2.Check sun exposure — NC State Extension's IPM guidance notes that sun-loving plants placed in shade are weaker and more susceptible to disease, and thyme needs 6+ hours of direct sun to stay dry at the crown
3.Stop supplemental irrigation once plants are past the first 4–6 weeks after transplant; an established mat at 2–3 inches tall in full sun rarely needs watering

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take Creeping herb to establish and become drought tolerant?▼

Creeping herb typically establishes within its first growing season (90-95 days to harvest maturity). Once established, usually by mid-summer of the first year, it becomes quite drought tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering. This makes it an excellent low-maintenance option for xeriscaping projects.

Is Creeping herb good for beginners?▼

Yes, Creeping herb is an excellent choice for beginners. It's rated as easy to grow, tolerates light foot traffic, and doesn't require fussy care once established. Its perennial nature in Zones 5-8 means it returns year after year with minimal intervention, making it forgiving for new gardeners.

Can you grow Creeping herb in containers?▼

While Creeping herb can technically be grown in containers, it's best suited for ground planting where its creeping stems can spread naturally. Container growth may limit its characteristic spreading habit and aromatic benefits when walked upon. It thrives in open garden spaces with full sun exposure.

When should I plant Creeping herb?▼

Plant Creeping herb after the last frost date in spring for your zone. As a perennial in Zones 5-8, it establishes best when given the full growing season to develop a strong root system before winter. Early spring planting allows it to become established and drought-tolerant by summer.

What happens when you walk on Creeping herb?▼

Creeping herb is specifically bred to withstand light foot traffic, making it perfect for pathways and low-traffic areas. When walked upon, it releases a pleasant, aromatic fragrance. The more it's used, the more it releases its pleasant aroma, creating a multi-sensory garden experience.

How much sun does Creeping herb need?▼

Creeping herb requires full sun, meaning at least 6 or more hours of direct sunlight daily. This light requirement is essential for optimal growth, fragrance development, and overall plant vigor. Insufficient sunlight may result in leggy, sparse growth and reduced aromatic qualities.