Hyssopus officinalis (Hyssop) is a perennial shrub that is native to southern Europe, the regions surrounding the Caspian Sea and parts of the Middle East. Hyssop is part of the mint family, is easy to grow, has religious significance and is widely used in traditional medicine. Young leaves and flowers have an intense aroma that is like a combination of sage and mint.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Hyssop leaves are used as a food condiment, a source for the liqueurs Absinthe and Chartreuse as well as having religious significance and medicinal herbal applications. They have a slightly bitter taste and an intense minty aroma.
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Growth
Hyssopus officinalis is a herbaceous perennial shrub that grows to a maximum height of 60 cm (24 inches) by a width of 45 cm (18 inches). Hyssop is drought and frost tolerant while providing a range of advantages in the garden. Plants can be pruned to create a dwarf hedge, the flowers are highly attractive to bees and other beneficial insects while deterring others from vegetables such as broccoli.
From a woody stem at the base, several upright branches grow to produce leaves that are dark green and lanceolate in shape. Throughout Summer, Hyssop blooms in colours ranging from blue, pink, purple and very rarely white. It thrives in full sun and warm climates but is also able to tolerate cold winters and long spells without water.
When grown in ideal conditions Hyssop can be harvested twice a year, the first at the end of Spring and then again at the beginning of Autumn. The best time to harvest is while the plant is in flower.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10-30°C / 14-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 60cm (24 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 45m (18 inches)
pH:
6.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
90-100 days
GERMINATION RATES:
70-80%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-10 days at temperatures between 18-25°C / 65-77°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 1000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT HYSSOPUS OFFICINALIS (Hyssop)
Hyssopus officinalis is commonly grown by beekeepers from which honey bees make an aromatic and intense honey.
In traditional medicine, Hyssop is said to sooth a sore throat, assist with coughing and increase blood circulation. It also contains properties to help stimulate the gastrointestinal system.
Hyssop is a herb mentioned several times in the Bible, and is primarily associated with purification and cleansing rituals. It was used during the Passover in Egypt to apply lamb’s blood to doorframes and in various ceremonial cleansings, symbolizing God’s desire for his people to be clean and holy.
One notable passage is Psalms 51:7: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean”. A sponge attached to a hyssop branch was reportedly used to give Jesus on the cross a drink of vinegar.
According to Chaeremon the Stoic, Hyssop was used in Egypt to perform religious purification rituals where priests eat it with bread in order to purify the food for their austere diet.
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