Hyssop in Zone 4a & 4b
Hyssopus officinalis
When to plant hyssop in zone 4b
Zones 4a and 4b 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 | Mar 20–Mar 27 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 22–May 29 |
| Estimated harvest | Aug 15–Aug 22 (~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 4's season
Zone 4b's frost-free window runs about 128 days, from May 15 to September 20. 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 4b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Hyssop in USDA zone 4b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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