Hyssop - Hyssopus officinalis
200 Seeds
Sow March - September
Hardy perennial.
Height 80cm (32in), spread 90cm (3ft).
Prefers a light, dry, rocky, well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Sow indoors any time from March to September in soil-less compost in seed trays or small pots. Keep moist at 20°C, prick out when large enough.
Sow outdoors thinly in spring when soil has warmed and cover with fine soil. Keep watered if dry and transplant to growing position when large enough. May be grown in any garden soil, add lime if necessary, in full sun if possible. Thin to 60cm apart of 30cm for hedging. Cut back to 20cm in mild winter areas after flowering. Divide roots in spring, take stem cuttings from spring to autumn.
This bushy, compact, upright plant has many branching, square, green stems, which are woody at the bottom. The leaves are narrow, long, aromatic and slightly hairy. The rich blue-violet flowers grow on spikes and appear in late summer. Loved by bees and butterflies. Grow near cabbages to lure away cabbage-white butterflies.
Hyssop - Blue
From the family Lamiaceae.
A native of the Mediterranean region. The name Hyssop comes from the Greek 'hussopos' and the Hebrew 'esob' meaning holy herb, because it was used for purifying temples and cleansing lepers. It has been discovered that the mould that produces penicillin grows on its leaves. The Benedictine monks used the herb to flavour their liqueurs. The Greek physician Hippocrates recommended it for chest complaints.