Hyssop Seeds

Sow Hyssop seeds in spring after the last frost, or in early fall if your winters are mild. Press them into the soil and cover with about ¼ inch of growing medium. Don’t burry them too much, as Hyssop plant seeds need light to germinate. The soil temperature should be 65–70°F (18–21°C), and under those conditions seedlings usually appear within 14 to 21 days. If you want to get ahead of the season, start Hyssopus Officinalis seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date and move transplants outside once night temperatures are above 45°F.

Hyssop herb needs full sun, at least 6 hours a day to produce dense foliage and flower well. The plant thrives in well drained soil, and hates heavy clay. Water young plants regularly until they settle in, then reduce watering, as established Hyssopus Officinalis plants are drought-tolerant and actually produce stronger aromatic oils when the soil stays a little dry. Add compost at planting, and that’s all Hyssop herb needs.

After the main flush of flowers, cut stems back by about a third. This will trigger a second bloom before the season ends. For drying Hyssop herb for teas, sachets, or infusions, harvest leaves and stem tips in the morning just before flowers fully open, when oil content is highest. In colder zones (3–6), cut back to a few inches in late fall and it will push new growth from the base in the following spring.