Organic Hyssop plants - Hyssopus officinalis

Also known as "Sacred Herb" by Greek civilizations, Hyssopus officinalis has linear, opposite, very aromatic leaves that can grow up to 50cm (20in) tall. From July to September, pretty lavender-blue flowers in narrow spikes bloom to welcome bees and butterflies.

As a Mediterranean perennial, Hyssopus officinalis will find its place in herb gardens alongside mint or savory. In flower beds and rock gardens, this plant stands out for the beauty of its flowering. It thrives in arid, poor, and calcareous soils as long as the exposure remains very sunny. It also appreciates fertile soil and can tolerate partial shade in hot regions.

Harvesting of fresh leaves should be done as needed, and the flowers should be harvested at the beginning of flowering. For preservation, cut the leaf stems before flowering and dry them. They can be used to flavor salads, vegetables, soups, and liqueurs. Hyssop can also be used in infusions (20g of leaves per litre of boiling water with a little cinnamon and honey) for the bronchi, digestion, and nervous system, but be careful as the essential oil is toxic.

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