How to Propagate Woolly Thyme Ground Cover

Dig up and move newly rooted thyme “runners” near established plants and transplant these where you want to establish new clumps of creeping thyme—the quickest and easiest way to start new plants.

Propagate new plants from roots too, to generate still more new plants. In spring after the last frost when the ground is still damp, dig small, shallow holes (3 to 4 inches deep and across) where you will plant new thyme starts. Place your garden shovel, point down, near the edge of each root clump, then push down, under and up to lift and expose the soil-covered roots. Gently break off root plugs of 1 to 2 inches across, using just your hands or your hands and trowel, and immediately plant these, covering with soil and watering well to soak the roots. Replant the “parent” thyme plant in its original spot the same way.

Start new plants from cuttings to create large quantities of plants. Take softwood cuttings in early summer, placing stems in water as you work to keep then fresh. Starting stems should be at least 3 to 4 inches long. Fill window box half full with clean, coarse sand. Dip each stem in rooting hormone, to a depth covering about one-third of the stem, then place each cutting in sand to that same depth. Cover each window box with plastic wrap to maintain humidity. Keep the window box in a warm place with only indirect sunlight. Transplant rooted cuttings to small individual pots in 4 to 6 weeks. Plant in the garden the following spring.

Grow new plants from seed too, if you’d prefer, but it can be difficult to find woolly thyme seed.