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When to Plant Hyssop in Apache County, AZ

Hyssop is a semi-evergreen perennial herb with intense blue flower spikes that attract bees and butterflies. It has a minty, slightly bitter flavor used in liqueurs and teas.

Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.

At an elevation of 7,720 feet, Apache County receives approximately 9.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Hyssop during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Hyssop will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Hyssop successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Apache County, AZ (Zone 5b) Short season
143 days
Last Spring Frost May 20
143 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Apache County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.2-8.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (7 days to spare)
Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 25 – Sep 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (3 days to spare)
Transplant: May 27 🍅 Harvest: Aug 5 – Oct 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (0 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 15 🍅 Harvest: Aug 24 – Oct 26

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.3″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 571 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 10/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Hyssop needs ~1,520 GDD — county provides 2,717 GDD Excellent fit

Hyssop Planting Timeline โ€” Apache County, AZ

Hyssop Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 27 May 27 โ€“ Jun 10
Harvest August 5 Aug 5 โ€“ Oct 7

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

70โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 8

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

143 days

Growing Tips for Apache County

Start seeds indoors or direct sow in spring. Prune back in early spring to encourage bushy growth. Hyssop is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in poor soil.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Radish

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Hyssop in Apache County, AZ?

Apache County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Hyssop planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Apache County, AZ?

Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is October 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Apache County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Apache County, AZ. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.