Hyssop

[Hyacinth]

Does anyone have this growing in their garden/allotment please?

I was attracted by the colours on the seed packet - and the fact that it can be used to flavour chartreuse 8) - and have some seedlings now growing in a tub and a trough.

My question is: if I plant it in the borders/wherever in the garden, am I planting a hard-to-eradicate thug (like feverfew :o)?

Thanks.

[Hyacinth]

[saddad]

We have raised a couple from seed this year, and have grown it before... so on our soil (Midland red Marl) it isn't a thug... or wouldn't have needed to start again...  :-\

[Bjerreby]

I can highly recommend hyssop.

I planted it 2 years ago as edging for one of my paths. It takes 2 years to get well established, but it doesn't spread like mint or Jerusalem artichokes.

It has lovely blue flowers that attract bees, hoverflies and butterflies.

The fragrance is something between sage and rosemary. We don't use it for cooking, but it is very good if you have a cough. Chew a few leaves and it soothes the throat and airways.


Cut it back quite heavily in late winter and you will get something like this...



Propagate it by either sowing seed in spring, or taking cutings round about this time of year. Both methods are easy.

[Hyacinth]

Thank you so much for posting a picture, Bj. It's glorious!

A question - how many plants (approx) will give a bush similar to one of yours - or, glory be! - are each of those bushes from one seed per bush?

Thanks a lot.

[Bjerreby]

The photo shows single plants spaced about 30 cm.

Glorious, yes, but just wait till it flowers and the wildlife finds out where it is............that is even better :)

[Hyacinth]

...so it gets better and better, then! 8)

That's excellent, many thanks.

[Georgie]

Just a word of warning.  It's a slug/snail feasting plant too.   ::)

G x

[Baccy Man]

When did hyssop become non edible? It is definitely in my absinthe recipe, it's also used with oily fish, pork, charcuterie, salads stews etc...

[saddad]

People often post in the wrong areas.... most people don't see Hyssop as edible
Just remember "Absinthe makes the heart grow stronger"  ;D

[GrannieAnnie]

People often post in the wrong areas.... most people don't see Hyssop as edible
Just remember "Absinthe makes the heart grow stronger"  ;D

:D  Funny!
there must be different varieties. The hyssop we grow has a broader leaf than the one shown as a hedge- ours is rather coarse looking, stalky with a purple flower. Good flavor though a makes a great tea.