Blue Hyssop

Blue Hyssop is a perennial herb that blooms fragrant violet-blue flowers spiked on slender green stems. Native to the Middle East, Southern Europe, and surrounding regions, this member of the mint family has been used in aromatherapy and traditional herbal medicine since ancient times. Blue Hyssop has naturally been used for soothing. Dried Hyssop leaves are in the herbal mixture "Za'atar", a Middle Eastern spice mixture. This attractive ornamental shrub can reach 2" tall and gives off a floral and minty aroma that can be used for perfumes and essential oils.

Also Known As: Oregano, Blue Flower Hyssop, Common Hyssop, Ysop, Hisopo, Ysopos, Ezov, Hyso, Purple Hyssop, Winter Hyssop, True Hyssop, Blue Spice Hyssop, Hyssop Herb, Anise Hyssop.

Plant Name:	Hyssop, Blue
Latin Name:	Hyssopus officinalis
Days to Germinate:	7-21
Days to Bloom:	80
Plant Height:	18 - 24 Inches
Spread:	12 - 18 Inches
Bloom Diameter:	1 - 3 Inches
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	4-10
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally start planting indoors in containers 6 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant after all danger of frost has passed in spring and soil temperatures reach at least 65F. If fall planting, sow at least 8 weeks before the first expected frost.

To plant, make holes 1/8 inch deep and spaced 18 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 5 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 18 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/8 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	18 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet

Care During the Season:

Blue Hyssop is best harvested mid to late summer, when the plant is flowering. This is when the essential oils and flavors are most concentrated. To harvest, cut the stems in the morning after the dew has dried using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Cut stems about 2/3 of the way down, leaving enough foliage for the plant to continue growing. Avoid cutting into the woody parts of the stems, as this can harm the plant. You can harvest leaves and flowers as needed throughout the growing season for fresh use. For drying, harvest larger quantities when flowers are fully open, as this is when they are most aromatic. Hang the stems upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area to dry them, or use a dehydrator for faster results. Once dried, store the leaves and flowers in an airtight container to preserve their aroma and potency.