Problems Propagating Thyme in Wholesale Greenhouse Operation

I work for a wholesale greenhouse operation. We are experiencing a sudden increase in demand for potted herbs. We are learning as we go about propagating an assortment of approximately 25 varieties from cuttings, and 20 varieties from seed. Thyme has presented the most problems so far. It takes so long to even take and stick the cuttings, and then we lose a lot to rot after putting in so much labor. We have tried sticking clumps directly into 4" pots, oasis wedges, a peatlite mix in plug trays (72's) and also into perlite. We had the best luck with perlite, but could stand a lot of improvement still. How do the experts do it? We grow oregano thyme, lemon thyme, wooly thyme, silver-edged thyme and creeping thyme (red flowering). I would appreciate any advice you can give.

We are surprised that you are having difficulty rooting thyme. In our experience, thyme is among the easiest of herbs to propagate. Most of the thymes are not tolerant of excessive moisture, so if you have them under the mist too long they will rot. Keep them under mist for only a few days, perhaps a week, then move them to full sun, with bottom heat optional.