Hyssop naturally nurtured seed

Hyssop is one of those plants that you wonder why you have not been growing!   This useful bushy aromatic plant is semi evergreen is popular with bees, who love the blue flower spikes, and is said to deter butterflies from brassicas.  This historically important edible herb is also considered as medicinal with the following caution: you should not consume Hyssop whilst pregnant or nursing.  Grow as individual plants in a border or herb garden, a specimen in a pot or keep trimmed to form a flowering hedge: untrimmed mature height to 60cm.  Perennial 

Price for 50 seeds

Part of our naturally nurtured range, seed from an organic source.

SPRING: sow the seeds in trays or plugs March to May indoors, or from May to June outdoors, seed depth 5mm covering with perlite (14-21 days to germinate), take care not to overwater once they have germinated.  When large enough to handle pot up and grow on

SUMMER: pot on or plant out after frost danger is over, space 30-45cm apart or for a flowering hedge space at 25-30cm (cut back flower spikes in spring as they provide winter interest).  Harvest leaves of established plants.  See below for information on edible uses 

WINTER: protect with fleece or straw if very cold weather is expected.

USES:

WILDLIFE

• Short tongues bumble bees & other pollinators
• Insects that attract bats to feed
• Included by the RHS in their pollinators plant list

EDIBLE: caution - you should not consume Hyssop whilst pregnant or nursing

• Add the flowers sparingly to salads
• Young foliage can be used to flavour food and adds a distinctive flavour to soups, fish, meat, stews and salads too. Can also be used in jellies or to flavour liqueurs
• It is said that using a small amount of chopped leaves with fatty meats can aid digestion
• The leaves can be used as an alternative to sage in a stuffing
• Only a few leaves are needed at any time as Hyssop is a strong seasoning.
• The flavour of Hyssop is spicy, with a slightly bitter edge and brings to mind a blend of mint, sage and oregano
• Dry the leaves for use in tea.  You can mix them with lemon balm or spearmint for a lighter mingled flavour.

HISTORICAL

• Hyssop was used for purgation (religious purification) in Ancient Egypt
• used since Roman times as a medicinal herb for coughs and as an antiseptic
• In the Middle Ages, hyssop was a stewing herb

OTHER

• As a companion plant to brassicas – said to deter the troublesome White butterflies.
• As a flowering hedge, in borders or a specimen plant
• Medicinally the flowers are infused to make tea for throat and lung complaints.
• The leaves have antiseptic properties - a wash made from the leaves can be used for cuts and bruises. 
• Please Note: we do not promote the medicinal use of plants – guidance and information should be sought elsewhere.