Where to Find Red Creeping Thyme Seeds Near You

Red creeping thyme is a gorgeous, versatile groundcover that can transform any garden or landscape. With its low-maintenance nature and waves of vivid color, it’s no wonder gardeners are eager to get their hands on red creeping thyme seeds to grow this beauty themselves. Luckily, red creeping thyme seeds are readily available both online and at local nurseries and garden centers. Here’s an in-depth look at this lovely plant, along with tips for sourcing seeds and growing red creeping thyme near you.

Red creeping thyme, scientifically known as Thymus praecox ‘Coccineus’, is a herbaceous perennial in the mint family. It’s native to the UK and Europe. This tough, adaptable plant remains evergreen in warm climates, taking on attractive reddish-bronze hues in fall.

One of the biggest draws of red creeping thyme is its carpet of color. From early summer into fall bright magenta-red blooms blanket the foliage. The effect is striking especially when planted en masse. Red creeping thyme reaches just 4-6 inches tall but spreads 12-18 inches wide. It can tolerate light foot traffic, making it perfect to edge pathways or fill in as a fragrant lawn alternative.

Beyond its ornamental merits, red creeping thyme has culinary value, imparting a mild, lemony flavor. It also supports pollinators while deterring deer and other pests. Once established, it requires little watering or care, thriving in full sun and lean, well-draining soil. Hardy to zones 4-9, red creeping thyme is unfazed by heat, drought, poor soils and salty conditions near seasides.

With all these excellent attributes it’s easy to see the appeal of growing red creeping thyme from seed. Home gardeners appreciate the affordability of seed packets compared to nursery transplants. Growing from seed also allows us to curate more customized plant palettes. Let’s explore the best sources for procuring these coveted little seeds.

Where to Buy Red Creeping Thyme Seeds

There are many stores, both online and off, that sell red creeping thyme seeds. To grow this lovely groundcover yourself, here are some of the best places to get seeds:

Online Seed Shops

Online shopping affords convenience and the ability to compare options across retailers. Reputable online seed shops like Burpee, Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market and Evergreen Seeds sell red creeping thyme seeds. Most offer free shipping on seed orders over a minimum purchase amount.

When buying seeds online, be sure to source from companies with strong customer reviews. Check item descriptions for key details like organic certification, germination rates and growing zones. Order early, as creeping thyme is popular and may sell out.

Local Garden Nurseries

Visiting local nurseries and garden centers allows you to inspect seeds and transplants firsthand before purchasing. These retailers also offer helpful advice tailored to your region. Avid gardeners can find red creeping thyme seeds and starter plants at most independent nurseries, especially those focused on serving native plants and organic gardening.

Call ahead to ask if they carry red creeping thyme seeds or plants so you don’t leave empty-handed. Sometimes small nurseries and family-owned shops offer hard-to-find varieties not available through large online retailers.

Big Box Stores

Home improvement stores with lots of shelves, like Home Depot and Lowe’s, sell red creeping thyme seeds at low prices. They get shipments of plants all the time, so they always have popular kinds like thyme. It’s easy to find this seed near you because they sell it both online and in stores.

But the selection isn’t as big as it is at specialty seed shops. Pay close attention to the information on the seed packet, like the organic certification and expiration dates, when you buy them. Big box garden centers have knowledgeable staff who can help you choose plants that will grow well together and give you planting instructions that are specific to your area.

Farmers’ Markets

Farmers’ markets are community hubs that allow us to buy directly from local farmers and artisans. In early spring, many farmers’ markets invite local nurseries and garden businesses to sell seeds, seedlings, tools and more. The vendors are usually small, family-run operations passionate about sustainability and native plants. Markets conveniently list vendor schedules online so you can plan your seed-sourcing trip accordingly.

Seed Swaps

You could share seeds like red creeping thyme with people in your community garden or green-thumb social group by setting up a seed swap. Swaps give people free access to seeds and let gardeners add new varieties to their own seed banks. They build community around our collective love of plants. Similar benefits can be found at seed libraries in libraries and nature centers.

Harvesting Your Own Seeds

Once your red creeping thyme gets established, you can easily collect its tiny seeds yourself after the plant finishes flowering in summer or fall. Simply crush the spent flower heads and small seeds will release. Store the dry seeds in envelopes in a cool, dark place until it’s time to plant them.

Harvesting your own seeds ensures an ongoing, free source, allowing you to create more red creeping thyme groundcover year after year. This also helps the species adapt to your specific growing conditions over time.

How to Grow Red Creeping Thyme from Seeds

Once you’ve acquired those precious packets of red creeping thyme seeds, it’s time to put them to work beautifying your garden. Here are some tips for getting seeds started right:

• Start seeds indoors – Because red creeping thyme germinates slowly, it’s best to get a head start by sowing seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Use seed starting mix and keep the soil moist.

• Scatter seeds – When sowing, sprinkle the tiny seeds across the soil surface rather than planting them in rows. This mimics how they self-seed in nature. Cover seeds lightly with a thin layer of vermiculite or seed starting mix.

• Use bottom heat – Red creeping thyme seeds germinate best with soil temperatures of 65-70°F. Consider placing seed trays on a heat mat to spur faster, uniform germination.

• Provide light – Supplement with grow lights or bright windowsills for 12-14 hours per day once sprouted. Insufficient light causes leggy, weak seedlings.

• Transplant after last frost – After the danger of frost has passed, harden off the young plants for a week before transplanting them outdoors into your garden beds or containers. Space plants 10-12 inches apart.

With proper care, in just two seasons you’ll have bountiful cascades of crimson blooms – all grown from a humble packet of seeds!

Let Red Creeping Thyme Seeds Transform Your Landscape

Now that you know where to find seeds and how to grow red creeping thyme, you’ll be fully prepared to let this endearing plant enhance your outdoor space with vivid color, tantalizing aroma and ecological benefits. Red creeping thyme seeds are readily found across a variety of retailers, both local and online.

Remember to order early since this versatile groundcover remains popular year after year. With just a bit of planning, you’ll secure seeds suited to your growing conditions so you can grow and enjoy this thyme’s trailing tapestry of ruby blossoms for seasons to come. Any landscape is elevated by the addition of red creeping thyme.