I am looking to plant creeping phlox and/or creeping thyme as perennial ground cover but can only find plants for sale. Are these not started straight from seed? I'd like to broadcast over a large-ish area, and starting from young plants was something I'd hoped to avoid.

Is this possible? I'm having a tough time sourcing seeds.

both are slow to establish hence that is why the recommendation is to start with plants. usually have to fight weeds the whole time. Will probably have to purchase seed online.