When to Plant Hyssop in Monroe County, IN
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.
Monroe County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 670 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 36.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Hyssop during the growing season.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Monroe County
How your county's soil matches Hyssop's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.2) is within Hyssop's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Monroe County is excellent for Hyssop — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Hyssop will thrive.
How to Plant Hyssop
Succession Planting Hyssop
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 22 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Hyssop
Hyssop needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Hyssop Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Monroe County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Hyssop Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Hyssop Planting Timeline — Monroe County, IN
Hyssop Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Harvest | June 28 | Jun 28 – Aug 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Hyssop in Monroe County
Direct sow Hyssop outdoors after April 12 in Monroe County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Hyssop in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Hyssop in Monroe County, IN?
Monroe County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Hyssop planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, IN?
Monroe County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Monroe County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.