Thymus serpyllum

Germination

Start early indoors. Surface sow onto moist well-drained seed compost. Do not cover, light is needed for germination. Cover container with glass or plastic. Ideal temp. 13°C. Germination takes 15-30 days. Once seedlings appear admit air. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on. Acclimatise and plant out once danger of frost has passed with 50cm spacing. Can be sown directly from May into well prepared soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Broadcast sow, press seeds lightly into the soil but do not cover. Water until germinated.

Growing

Pinch out growing stem to encourage a bushier plant. Requires little attention. In the first year weed and mulch.

Cultivation

Fertilise in late spring and early summer with a liquid plant food. Once established large clumps can be divided in Mar-May. Do not cut back too hard or it will not regrow. Best to trim once new growth appears, cut back to lower new buds.