Alchimiaweb.com presents Rocalba Hyssop Seeds, an aromatic and medicinal plant with a slender and flowery appearance. A variety that is perfect for growing in a vegetable garden or in a pot on the terrace.
Rocalba Hyssop, very resistant to frost and easy to cultivate
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is an herbaceous plant with woody stems and a spike structure. It is native to southern Europe, the Middle East and the Caspian Sea coast. It has been used since pre-classical ancient times.
It is a subarboreal plant that develops vigorously reaching a height of between 30 and 60cm. It produces quite a lot of secondary branching with straight and rigid branches, with lanceolate opposite leaves of about 2-2.5cm long and an intense green colour. During the summer it produces pink, blue or white flowers that bloom at branch tips, releasing an intense aroma.
Seed germination should be in late winter - early spring. It can be done in a seedbed or in direct sowing at a depth of about 1-3mm. The substrate should be based on peat enriched with worm humus or compost. It requires light but not direct sunlight, and a temperature of between 15-25ºC. It will sprout in about 4 weeks.
Rocalba hyssop, with a spicy and bitter aroma and antitussive and expectorant effect
Once it has germinated and developed real leaves it is ready to be placed under direct sunlight, checking it is not too strong. It is a plant that needs little care. It's rustic and resistant and can withstand frost and temperatures down to -5ºC.
Hyssop can live several years under good care, providing frequent but not excessive watering, good climatic conditions and optimal nutrients. You can choose to install an automatic irrigation system to ensure that it receives the necessary water comfortably and efficiently.
The leaves are ready to harvest in spring and autumn, and the flowers during the summer. They are left to dry in a shady place without much draught so that its properties are not affected. It offers a bitter and spicy flavour, being ideal to consume in infusions, salads or stews. It is also very appreciated for its therapeutic properties to combat coughs, bronchitis and sore throats.
Rocalba Hyssop info:
- Hyssop seeds
- Sachet: 2g
- Germination: late winter or spring
- In seedbed or direct sowing
- Planting frame: 80-140cm x 30-40cm
- 10-12 days to sprout
- Ready to start harvesting leaves and stems after about 2.5 months
- Place under sunlight – Requires warm climates
- Frost sensitive
- Needs frequent and moderate watering
- Requires rich, light and well-drained soils
- It is very useful to pad the substrate
