Hyssop is lovely in the landscape and useful in the kitchen. Growing a hyssop plant is easy and makes a lovely addition to the garden. Hyssop is a tall-growing, flowering herb which, in addition to its physical charm, has a number of medicinal and culinary uses.
- Hyssop originated in the south east of Europe, including the south of Russia and norht of Africa.
- The plants of the genus hyssop belongs to the family, Lamiaceae or the mint family.
- Hyssop is a perennial plant. Only its flowers which can be bright blue, pink or white and young leaves, the most tender, are used.
- Herb with erect and slender, semi-woody stem, that can grow up to a height of about 60 cm.
- The leaves are small and narrow and are oblong in shape.
- They can reach a length of about 2 to 5 cm.
- The flowers can attract a large number of bees, butterflies and hoverflies, due to their strong scent.
Growing and Planting Conditions
- Hyssop likes a sunny place.
- It likes well drained, alkaline soil.
- Sow below the soil surface, with a spacing of 25 to 30cm, in the autumn.
- Sow hyssop seeds indoors or directly in the garden about 8-10 weeks before the last frost.
- Hyssop seeds usually take between 14-21 days to germinate.
- When harvesting, cut it in the morning hours once any dew has dried. Hang the plants upside down in small bunches to dry in a dark, well-ventilated area.
Uses
- Hyssop flavors omelets and mixed with other herbs like thyme, mint, or bay leaf, can flavor vegetable dishes, like menestras, and sauces, flavored vinegars and liquors.
- Used in fruits and salads to sausages and meat.
- A border plant within a herb garden, and is regarded to be ideal for growing along with cabbages.
- The medicinal properties of the plant can be mainly attributed to the highly aromatic and volatile oil present in its leaves, stems and flowers.
Care
- Some types are very drought tolerant but all flower better if they receive adequate rainfall or supplemental water.
- Hyssop will not tolerate wet soil in the winter.
- Fertilize them once a year in spring.
Recent Comments