Hyssop is a perennial and a member of the mint family with bright blue flowers which will transform the look of your garden. Hyssop leaves are used as tea with soothing medicinal properties. Also, it is attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds.
Hyssоp is native to Southern Eurоpe and the Mediterranean. Early Hyssop was grown for the ritual cleansing of churches and to protect against infections in hospitals. In addition, the dense growth of the plant served as a natural hedge and a labyrinth for gardens with knots. Hyssop has been used medicinally to treat coughs, cuts, wounds, and skin conditions. Nowadays, Hyssop is grown mainly as an ornamental plant.
How to grow Hyssop from seeds:
Sowing: Hyssop prefers well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Plant Hyssop after the last spring frost or late fall for spring germination. Sow the seeds on the soil's surface 6 inches apart, then thin out to 12 inches. Germination may take up to 3-4 weeks. Good companion plants are cabbages and vines; avoid planting with radishes. Hyssop can be used as a hedge or container plant because of its attractive flowers and bushy, compact growth.Growing of Hyssop: The plant prefers slightly dry soil and is always well-drained. Do not overfill to avoid fungal diseases. Hyssop is resistant to almost all pests and diseases. Prune the plant hard before spring growth to get healthy, tender new stems.
How and When to Harvest Hyssop: When the leaves have reached the desired size, harvest them in the morning. You can use leaves and flowers as flavoring agents. Harvest whole stems when flowers begin to open and hang upside down to dry indoors out of direct sunlight. When the stems are dry, remove the leaves and flowers and store them in an airtight container.
Hyssop's Seed Saving: Seeds begin to develop in late summer. Remove stems individually as they mature, then hang them to dry out of direct sunlight. Shake them to remove the seeds. Store seeds in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Latin Name: Hyssopus officinalisType: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Cool Season|Warm Season
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zonеs: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Seeds per Ounce: 50,000
Planting Method: From Transplant
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 20 Inches
Color: Purple
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Honeybees, Attracts Butterflies, Aromatic
