How to grow hyssop
All you need to know about growing hyssop, Hysoppus officinalis, in our Grow Guide.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
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| Sow | yes | yes | yes | yes | ||||||||
| Flowers | yes | yes | yes | yes |
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Plant Size: Height: 60 Spread: 100 |
Average Yield: Pick leaves as required |
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a semi-evergreen shrub in the mint family, yet is less commonly grown than other culinary herbs. This attractive herb bears spikes of blue flowers that are particularly attractive to pollinators. It's popular with beekeepers as it's said to make excellent honey. During the Middle Ages, hyssop was used as a flavouring in soups and stuffings. Now it's more commonly used in the distillation of certain liquors and to give the famous green colour to absinthe. However, it's ideal for using in hearty stews and goes well with meat such as lamb or chicken, making a good alternative to sage. Its leaves have a strong flavour so only a few are required when cooking.
The hyssop plant can also be used to make a tea which is said to be an excellent tonic for a cough or a cold, but should be avoided if you're pregnant.
Where to grow hyssop
Hyssop grows best in full sun, in moist but well-drained soil. Hyssop works well in borders, especially as an edging plant. It's attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It will also grow well in a pot – just make sure the pot is large enough to contain its large root system.
How to sow hyssop seeds
Sow indoors between March and April. Sow seed 5mm deep into pots or trays of moist compost and lightly cover. Germination can take between two to three weeks. Once the seedlings have a set of true leaves, prick them out and pot on into small individual pots. Grow the seedlings indoors until the dangers of frosts has passed and then plant out around 45cm apart.
If sowing outdoors, sow direct between May and June. Sow into drills and cover with compost. When seedlings appear, thin to 45cm apart.
How to plant hyssop
Plant hyssop in a border with the rootball at the same level as the surrounding soil. Hyssop will thrive in free draining soil, although it can tolerate poor soil, too. Water well after planting. It can also be planted in a container, although it has a large root system so avoid shallow or small containers.
How to care for hyssop
Hyssop is low maintenance once it's established. Water newly planted hyssop regularly until it has had time to put down roots. After this plants should be able to tolerate some drought. Water hyssop in pots regularly in hot weather as the compost will dry out quickly. This herb doesn't require much feeding, but plants in containers may benefit from an occasional feed of liquid seaweed.
Hyssop officinalis is hardy and doesn't need winter protection.
Watch our Golden Rules video on how to care for garden herbs:
How to prune hyssop
The best time to prune hyssop is in mid spring as new growth starts emerging. This will help encourage bushy new growth. Remove any faded flower heads left over from last summer. You can also cut back after flowering, removing any dead flowers. Reshape the plant to keep it compact and neat.
How to propagate hyssop
It's easy to grow hyssop from seed – simply sow indoors or directly into the ground after the last frost. You can also take softwood cuttings to create new plants. These can be taken between March and August.
Pests and diseases
Hyssop is relatively trouble-free and easy to grow. They can be popular with leafhoppers, which are sap-sucking insects that can cause white or yellow mottling on the leaves. There's no need to control them yourself, simply encourage predators such as birds and ladybirds into your garden. Unless they are present in huge numbers, leafhoppers are unlikely to affect the growth of your plant.
Hyssop is not usually affected by disease.
How to harvest and store hyssop
It's best to use hyssop leaves when fresh but you can also dry or freeze them. Harvest the leaves in the morning, after any dew has dried. Cut stems of leaves and gather into bunches, hang in a dark and well ventilated area. You can also strip the leaves from their stems, place in a plastic bag and freeze.
Advice on buying hyssop
- Check the botanical name before buying hyssop if you are looking for the herb. Hyssop is the common name for Hyssop officinalis, but it is also a common name for some varieties of agastache, including Agastache 'Blackadder' which has the common name, giant hyssop and Agastache foeniculum, which is known as anise hyssop. Both agastache and Hyssop officinalis are members of the mint family
- Always make sure you buy healthy plants, free from signs of disease or pests
- Bear in mind that hyssop sold by nurseries may not be ready to harvest immediately, compared to herbs available from supermarkets
Where to buy hyssop
Hyssop varieties to grow
Hyssopus officinalis 'Roseus' – dense spikes of small rose-pink flowers appear from July through to September. Height x Spread: 60cm x 60cm
- Buy Hyssopus officinalis 'Roseus' from Beth Chatto
Hyssopus officinalis f. albus – this variety has white flowers and a spreading habit. H x S: 60cm x 80cm
- Buy Hyssopus officinalis 'f. albus from Jekka's Herb Farm
Hyssopus officinalis subsp. aristatus – a compact hyssop with funnel-shaped dark blue flowers. H x S: 40cm x 50cm
- Buy Hyssopus officinalis subsp. aristatus from Beth Chatto
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of hyssop?
Hyssop is a herb that can be used to add flavour to dishes including soups and stews. It is also used to make tea and this herbal infusion is said to be good for treating coughs and colds.
What is hyssop in the bible?
Hyssop is associated with cleansing and purity in the bible. David asks to be cleansed with hyssop so he can be pure and free of sin. A branch of the herb could be used for sprinkling water or blood. A branch of hyssop is also mentioned in some accounts as being used to pass a sponge soaked in vinegar to Jesus on the cross. However, the hyssop referred to in the bible is likely to be Origanum syriacum, according to the RHS. This herb is native to the Middle East, whereas Hyssop officinalis is native to Europe, the Mediterranean and Iran.
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