Hyssop in Zone 3a & 3b
Hyssopus officinalis
When to plant hyssop in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Hyssop tolerates either.
| Start indoors | Apr 4–Apr 11 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Jun 6–Jun 13 |
| Estimated harvest | Aug 30–Sep 6 (~85 days after planting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1.5-2 ft.
Hyssop is a woody, semi-evergreen perennial in the mint family with a strong, minty-bitter flavor that's historically shown up more in liqueurs like Chartreuse and in potpourri than in everyday cooking. It's grown as much for its spikes of blue flowers and the bees they attract as for any culinary use.
How hyssop fits zone 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Hyssop needs about 85 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Hyssop.
Where to buy hyssop seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing hyssop" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 3b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Hyssop in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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