Hyssop seeds - Hyssopus officinalis

Botanically, common hyssop belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is commonly called hyssop, common hyssop or sacred herb. It is now classified under the species Dracocephalum officinale (synonym Hyssopus officinalis). It is a perennial sub-shrub, woody at the base, forming a cushion 40 to 60cm tall and 40 to 60cm wide. The quadrangular stems branch strongly from the base. The leaves are opposite on the stems, narrow, linear to lanceolate, 2 to 2.5cm long, glossy dark green and very aromatic, with a scent reminiscent of thyme and rosemary. The foliage is evergreen to semi-evergreen depending on the severity of the winter. Flowering extends from June to September; the inflorescences are terminal spikes bearing numerous small, tubular, two-lipped flowers, blue-violet to dark blue in this 'blue' form. They are rich in nectar and much visited by bees, bumblebees and butterflies.
Long cultivated in monastery gardens and physic gardens, it has been used in the composition of famous liqueurs such as Chartreuse and Pastis, earning it a solid reputation as a cloister herb and sacred herb.

In the garden, blue common hyssop has many uses. Place it at the edge of a vegetable garden or in the foreground of a dry border to create a small, fragrant, informal hedge, which can be lightly pruned in spring to make it denser. It is also suitable for rockeries, stony banks and scree gardens. In a pot, use a deep container filled with a very free-draining mix, placed in full sun. It is a good companion for thymes, oreganos, rosemarys and other common sages.

Harvest fresh leaves as needed, and flowers at the start of flowering. For storage, cut the leafy stems before flowering and dry them. Use to flavour salads, vegetables, soups, and liqueurs. Hyssop is also used as an infusion (20g of leaves per litre of boiling water with a little cinnamon and honey) for the bronchial tubes, digestion and nervous system, but beware, the essential oil is toxic.

In the vegetable garden: Common hyssop is a repellent for ants, slugs and snails, and its infusion can be sprayed against diseases caused by bacteria.