Hyssop (Hyssopus)

Excellent beneficial insect attractant. Blooms in early summer with lavender blue flowers on bushy plants. Well known for its historical medicinal properties, lesser known for its once common culinary uses.

How to Grow Hyssop from Seed

Bed Preparation

Hyssop is a hardy perennial (Zones 4-9) that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plants will tolerate poor soils and once established, thrive in dry conditions.

Planting

Hyssop should be started indoors in early spring and transplanted outside when plants are 18” tall and the danger of frost has passed. Seed can also be direct sown outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. Optimal soil temperatures for germination are 65-80°F. Sow seeds 1/8” deep and 8-12" apart. Seeds will germinate in 10-20 days. Thin seedlings so mature plants are 24-36" apart.

Harvest

Harvest above ground parts, with or without flowers, once plants become established. Use fresh or dried in tinctures, syrups, etc. Flowers are also edible and make a nice addition to cakes and salads.