The 10 Easiest Ground Covers to Grow from Seed

Ground covers are low-growing plants that spread to form a dense weed-suppressing mat. They are excellent options for filling bare spots, preventing erosion on slopes and replacing lawn grass. Many attractive perennials make great ground covers, but some of the easiest to grow from seed are annuals and herbs.

When selecting ground cover seeds, it’s important to consider factors like sunlight, soil type, hardiness zone, and desired height. Luckily, there are many options for both sun and shade. Here are 10 of the easiest ground covers you can grow from seed:

1. Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a hardy perennial ground cover that thrives in full sun It grows just 2-4 inches tall but spreads up to 18 inches wide Creeping thyme produces clusters of pink to purple flowers over fragrant foliage in summer, It grows in zones 4-9 and tolerates some foot traffic when established,

Creeping thyme is very easy to grow from seed started indoors. Sow seeds in starter trays and transplant seedlings 12 inches apart after the last frost. It can also be directly sown in spring.

2. Sweet Alyssum

Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is a short ground cover beloved for its fragrant white blooms and easy care. This quick-growing annual reaches just 4-6 inches tall but spreads up to 2 feet wide. Sweet alyssum grows in full sun in zones 4-9.

These ground cover seeds can be directly sown after the last spring frost. For earlier blooms, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost and transplant seedlings 6 inches apart after hardening off.

3. Creeping Phlox

Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is a popular early spring bloomer that forms an attractive, low-maintenance evergreen ground cover. It grows just 6 inches tall but spreads up to 2 feet wide. From March to May, it erupts in pretty blooms of white, pink, purple, and more. Creeping phlox thrives in full sun in zones 3-9.

You can sow creeping phlox seeds directly in fall or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost. Transplant seedlings 9 inches apart after hardening off. This ground cover may reseed itself.

4. Roman Chamomile

Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) has fragrant foliage and produces small white and yellow daisy-like flowers. This perennial herb doubles as an aromatic ground cover, growing about 6 inches tall and spreading 1-2 feet wide in zones 4-9.

You can directly sow Roman chamomile seeds after the last spring frost. For a head start, begin seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost and transplant seedlings 1 foot apart.

5. Purple Dragonhead

Purple dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica) is an easy annual for cottage gardens. It reaches 1-2 feet tall with spikes of blue-purple snapdragon-like flowers in summer. This herb thrives in sun or part shade in moderately fertile soil.

For early blooms, sow purple dragonhead seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost and transplant seedlings 1 foot apart after hardening off. You can also direct sow after the last frost, thinning or spacing seeds 1 foot apart.

6. Verbena

Verbena (Verbena x hybrida) is a trailing annual that blooms vigorously in containers or garden beds, spreading 2-3 feet wide and reaching just 4-6 inches tall. Flower colors include white, pink, purple, scarlet, and multicolored mixes. Verbenas thrive in full sun in zones 9-11.

You can start verbena 8 weeks before your last frost or direct sow after the last frost, spacing seeds 9-12 inches apart. Keep young plants consistently moist until established.

7. Creeping Zinnia

Unlike its upright relatives, creeping zinnia (Sanvitalia procumbens) grows just 6 inches tall but spreads 1-2 feet wide—perfect as a low flowering ground cover! It produces abundant orange daisy-like blooms from spring until frost. Creeping zinnia thrives in zones 9-10.

These quick growers are best direct sown after the last frost, as they dislike being transplanted. Space seeds 8-12 inches apart in sunny, well-draining soil.

8. Snow-in-Summer

Snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum) is a hardy perennial that forms a 4-8 inch tall mat of silvery gray-green leaves and masses of small white blooms from late spring to midsummer. It thrives in zones 3-7 in full sun and dry, infertile soil.

You can sow snow-in-summer seeds directly in spring or fall. For earlier blooms, start seeds indoors, transplanting 9-12 inches apart after hardening off. Shear spent plants to promote spreading.

9. Irish Moss

Irish moss (Sagina subulata) is a super low moss-like evergreen perennial that grows just 1-2 inches tall. Its delicate texture and emerald color make it ideal between flagstones or as a lawn substitute. Tiny white blooms cover plants in late spring. Irish moss thrives in part sun to shade in zones 4-10.

Sow Irish moss seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before your last frost since germination is slow. Transplant plugs 4-6 inches apart, or direct sow once soil reaches 60°F. Water regularly until established.

10. Sweet Woodruff

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a spreading shade-loving perennial that reaches 4-8 inches tall and produces clusters of tiny fragrant white flowers in spring. Its leaves smell pleasantly of new mown hay. Sweet woodruff grows in part to full shade in zones 4-8.

For earliest blooms, stratify seeds 2-4 weeks before starting indoors. Transplant plugs 8 inches apart after hardening off, or direct sow in late winter or early spring. Water regularly the first year.

The possibilities for ground covers are nearly endless, but these 10 are some of the easiest to grow from seed. Proper planting and care will reward you with flowers, fragrance, and lush carpets of color. With the right selection for your conditions, you can create gorgeous, low-maintenance ground cover.

While it’s possible to grow plants from seeds simply by scattering them on the ground, the success rate is generally low.