Do you want to grow hyssop at home?
Hyssop is a perennial herb that can be grown in your garden. It’s super easy and fast to grow, so it’s perfect for beginners! Plus, hyssop has beautiful flowers and leaves that are great for cooking or tea. You won’t regret growing this plant!
Growing hyssop is fun and rewarding because it doesn’t require much work from you. All you need to do is follow our simple instructions on how to plant the seeds, water them regularly, and watch them grow into strong plants with gorgeous flowers. We even have pictures of what your plants will look like along the way so there’s no guesswork involved! Once they’re ready, just harvest some leaves or flowers whenever you need them. You’ll be amazed by how easy it is!
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
When is the Best Time of the Year to Plant Hyssop
The best time of the year to plant Hyssop is in the spring after the last frost. These plants will start to grow as early as March and continue to grow through the summer months, blooming with small purple flowers from May till August.
In colder climates, Hyssop plants have been known to die back during the winter months. As a result of this, starting Hyssop plants in the spring after the last frost is recommended as it will allow for enough time to grow and produce flowers within the growing season.
If planted too early or during late summer, there is a chance that Hyssop plants may not survive till the next year as they are slower to grow once temperatures start to fall.
Where in the Garden Should You Plant Hyssop
Hyssop is a fantastic ground cover and container plant since it grows very low to the ground. The leaves and stems of the plant produce a refreshing fragrance and it flowers from June to October. It can grow in dry or wet locations, making it great for people who suffer from allergies or live in humid areas. When planting hyssop, you should consider the following:
- The best place to plant hyssop is in full sun but it will also grow in partial shade.
- Hyssop prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
- Plant hyssop in an area where it will have plenty of room to grow. It can reach a height of 2-3 feet and has a spread of up to 3 feet.
- Hyssop is a perennial plant, meaning it will come back year after year. It does best when planted in the early spring or late fall.
- If you are planting hyssop in a container, make sure to use a soil mix that is well-drained.
Hyssop is a great plant to have in your garden and it provides many benefits for both your health and the environment. When planted in the right location, hyssop can thrive and provide you with years of enjoyment.
How Often Should I Watering Hyssop
The answer to this question varies, depending on how often it rains. During the rainy season, you probably need to water the plant every day or so. Guests prefer plants watered about twice a week.
Watering is best done in the morning so that the soil has a chance to dry out before nightfall. This will help to prevent root rot, a common problem with hyssop plants.
The amount of water you give your hyssop plant should also vary depending on the season. During the hot summer months, you will need to water it more often. During the winter, you should only water every 3-4 days.
You can also create a simple “pond” filled with rocks or marbles for your hyssop plant to live in. This will help avoid root rot as well as keep the soil too wet during hot weather. However, be sure to keep the soil damp.
Remember that hyssop is a drought-tolerant plant, but it does need water once in a while. The best way to ensure your plant grows well is to check its soil frequently and water whenever it feels dry or looks wilted. You should also water the area around the plant rather than just giving it a shower.
When and How to Harvest Hyssop
Hyssop can be harvested at any time of the year, but it is best to harvest it in the morning. The leaves can be harvested by clipping them with scissors or a knife. The flowers can also be harvested, but they should be done so with care so as not to damage the plant. Hyssop can be dried by hanging it upside down in a dry place or by putting it in a paper bag and then putting it in the sun.
The seeds should be harvested in the fall after they have turned brown.
If you are growing hyssop for the leaves, harvest them at any time. If you are harvesting for the seeds or flowers, they only take about 5% of the plant’s total growth. You can leave up to 10% for seed production if you want.
Different Ways to Store Hyssop
While hyssop is traditionally used to add flavor and color to dishes, it can also be used in the garden to deter pests and attract pollinators. Hyssop is a perennial plant that can be grown in tube gardens for year-round harvesting.
To store hyssop:
Hyssop doesn’t need to be preserved in a chemical solution and can last up to three weeks when left dry.
Leave the leaves on the plant if possible, as they will continue to produce essential oils.
Store it in an airtight container, leaving some extra space at the top so that it can “breathe” and stay fresh.
Wrapped tightly with parchment or plastic wrap, then placed in an airtight container or bag, hyssop can also be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Hyssop may darken while frozen but this doesn’t affect its flavor or quality.
Keep it dry and out of direct light while thawing.
To use fresh hyssop, pour boiling water over the leaves and let them steep for about 10 minutes to remove any dirt.
Use hyssop while still wet, as it will dry out fairly quickly.
Trim off any brown or wilted parts before using. Cut around the stem rather than breaking the stem.
Once dried, hyssop can be stored in an airtight container for up to six months.
Hyssop is a beautiful, fragrant herb that has many culinary and garden uses. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy hyssop all year long!
Other Things of Interest About Hyssop
- Hyssop has a long history of use for medicinal purposes dating back to the Babylonian era.
- Some poetic references are attributed to spices, perfumes, and ointments, but there is a lack of scientific evidence for this claim.
- It can be used as an herb or tea extract in cooking recipes.
- The taste is spicy with notes of peppermint, oregano, thyme, and eucalyptus on the exhale.
- Hyssop oil is often used in aromatherapy.
- It has a high concentration of the compound thymol, which is thought to have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Source
- The plant can be grown in home gardens and is easily propagated from cuttings.
- It is a hardy perennial that can overwinter in cold climates.
- The plant is drought tolerant and can be grown in dry conditions.
Conclusion: Now you have a better idea of how to grow Hyssop. It’s easy, fast, has beautiful flowers and leaves that are great for cooking or tea. Plus, it’s a perennial plant so in future years you won’t have to start over with new seeds.