Hyssop
Hyssopus officinalis
Hyssop is a beautiful, bee-friendly perennial herb with intensely aromatic leaves and spikes of blue, pink, or white flowers. It has a strong, slightly bitter mint flavour used sparingly in soups, stuffings, and liqueurs. Sow indoors in March or directly in April–May in light, well-drained soil and full sun. Plants form compact, woody shrubs to 60cm and flower from July to September. Hyssop is fully hardy and drought-tolerant once established, making it excellent for herb borders and wildlife gardens. Trim after flowering to keep neat.
Plan where to grow Hyssop using our vegetable garden planner.
When to Sow Hyssop
Sow hyssop in March, April, May. It flowers from July to September.
Time to Harvest Hyssop
Expect to harvest approximately 3 months after sowing, usually from June to September.
Companion Plants for Hyssop
Expected Yield
One established bush provides ample leaves and flowers for culinary and medicinal use.
Pruning Hyssop
Cut back to about 15cm in early spring to keep plants compact, and deadhead after flowering.
Common Problems with Hyssop
Poor germination from seed
Hyssop seed needs light to germinate. Sow on the surface, press in gently, and do not cover. Keep moist but not wet.
Leggy, floppy growth
Cut back hard by half in late spring and again after flowering. Hyssop responds well to pruning and becomes bushier.
Few flowers
Hyssop flowers best in poor soil and full sun. Too much shade or rich compost produces leaf at the expense of blooms.
Hyssop: common questions
When should I sow hyssop in the UK?
Sow hyssop from March to May. Sow under cover for an early start, or directly outside once the soil has warmed.
How far apart should I plant hyssop?
Space hyssop about 30cm apart. It grows to around 60cm tall.
How long does hyssop take to germinate?
Hyssop seeds usually germinate in 14–21 days, depending on temperature.
When is hyssop ready to harvest?
In the UK, hyssop is usually harvested from June to September. It's ready about 3 months after sowing.
When does hyssop flower?
Hyssop usually flowers from July to September in the UK.
Does hyssop come back every year?
Yes. Hyssop is a perennial and comes back every year, dying back or slowing down over winter and regrowing in spring.
When should I prune hyssop?
Cut back to about 15cm in early spring to keep plants compact, and deadhead after flowering.
What grows well with hyssop?
Good companions for hyssop include Rosemary, Sage and Thyme. See the companion plants section above for why each one helps.
Is hyssop frost hardy?
Yes. Hyssop is hardy and survives a normal UK winter outdoors.
Plan your hyssop in the allotment planner
Drag and drop plants onto your plot and get personalised sowing reminders.
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