Hyssop
Hyssopus officinalis
Hyssop is a semi-evergreen perennial herb with blue or purple flowers that is easy to grow from spring-sown seed in full sun or partial shade.
Quick facts
- Germination time
- 5–21 days
- Germination temperature
- Not yet verified
- Sowing depth
- 6 mm¼ in
- Spacing between plants
- Not yet verified
- Days to maturity
- Not yet verified
- Sun
- Full sun, partial shade
Safety for cats and dogs: not yet verified.
By SeedBattle EditorsUpdated
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01 · Overview
About hyssop
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a short-lived, semi-evergreen perennial herb in the mint family, native to Europe, Asia and Africa. It is a compact, spreading subshrub with aromatic leaves and spikes of blue flowers in summer and early autumn. Plants grow about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 61 cm) tall and 1 foot to 18 inches (30 to 46 cm) wide, and the fragrant purple to blue flowers attract butterflies.
Growing details
- Start indoors
- Not yet verified
- Sow outdoors
- Not yet verified
- Water
- Low
- Containers
- Yes
- Height
- 30–61 cm1–2 ft
- Spread
- 30–46 cm12–18 in
- Frost tolerance
- Not yet verified
- Soil pH
- Not yet verified
- Life cycle
- Perennial
- Hardiness zones
- USDA zones 4–9
02 · How to grow
How to grow hyssop from seed
Sowing. Sow hyssop seed outdoors in spring, planting it about ¼ inch (6 mm) deep with one seed per inch. Seed usually sprouts in 5 to 21 days. Hyssop is easy to grow and does best in fertile, well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil in full sun. It can also be propagated by seed or softwood cuttings in summer, or by division in spring.
03 · Care
Caring for hyssop
Watering and trimming. Established plants are drought-tolerant and resist browsing by deer. Trim in spring to keep the plant bushy and resistant to breakage.
At a glance
How hyssop compares with other herbs
Worked out from the growing facts of the 30 seeds in Herbs on SeedBattle.
- Hyssop
- Each of the other herbs
- Their average
- Germination timeSlower to sprout than average
5–21 days
Average for herbs: 12 days, from 20 other seeds
- Sowing depthAbout average
6 mm¼ in
Average for herbs: 6 mm¼ in, from 16 other seeds
- HeightShorter than average
30–61 cm1–2 ft
Average for herbs: 70 cm2½ ft, from 27 other seeds
04 · Problems
Common hyssop problems
No serious pests or diseases are reported, though nematodes can be an issue. The plant may be susceptible to leafhoppers and is generally disease-free.
Hyssop questions
How long do hyssop seeds take to germinate?
Hyssop seeds usually germinate in 5 to 21 days.
When should I plant hyssop seed?
Direct sow hyssop seed outdoors in spring.
Can I grow hyssop in a pot?
Yes, hyssop works well in containers.
Is hyssop cold hardy?
The profile lists its hardiness as H7, and USDA zones 4a through 9b are listed for it.
Quick answers
More hyssop questions
Short answers taken from the growing facts on this page.
How deep should I sow hyssop seeds?
Sow them 6 mm¼ in deep.
How much sun does hyssop need?
Hyssop grows in full sun or partial shade.
How tall does hyssop grow?
Hyssop grows 30–61 cm1–2 ft tall.
Is hyssop an annual or a perennial?
Hyssop is a perennial.
How much water does hyssop need?
Hyssop has low water needs.
Which USDA zones can hyssop grow in?
Hyssop is hardy in USDA zones 4–9.
Side by side
Compare hyssop with…
Two seeds, every growing fact lined up, so you can pick the one that suits your space.
Herbs
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