Hyssopus officinalis is a shrub-like plant that thrives in full sun and can do well in just about any soil type. A member of the Lamiaceae, or mint family, hyssop produces highly aromatic leaves. The leaves are collected and used fresh or dried, and the aerial portion is used to distill an aromatic essential oil.

Forming neat, rounded bushes up to three feet in height at maturity, these plants sprout spikes of purple, pink, and white flowers through midsummer to fall. The flowers attract all sorts of insect pollinators that are highly beneficial to the garden. Hyssop can be described as smelling sweet to camphorous and is considered deer-resistant.

When growing from seed it is best to scatter in prepared soil after the danger of frost has passed. Seeds can take up to a month to germinate but will do best in an area that allows larger root growth, receives full sun exposure, and is on a slope or at an incline. It is also important not to overwater seeds as they can easily become water logged.

This Herb Appears In
• Organic Hyssop
• Organic Hyssop Extract
• Organic Hyssop Essential Oil