When to Plant Hyssop in Ottawa County, KS
May to-do list for Ottawa County, Kansas
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Ottawa County, Kansas.
Looking ahead to June
- First harvests: hyssop
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.
Ottawa County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 993 feet, Ottawa County receives approximately 24 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Hyssop during the growing season.
Ottawa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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 Ottawa County
How your county's soil matches Hyssop's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.6) is within Hyssop's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Ottawa County is excellent for Hyssop — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Hyssop will thrive.
How to Plant Hyssop
Succession Planting Hyssop
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 25 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ottawa 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 — Ottawa County, KS
Hyssop Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Sep 1 |
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 | Harvest |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Ottawa County
Growing Tips for Hyssop in Ottawa County
Direct sow Hyssop outdoors after April 14 in Ottawa County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Ottawa County receives only 24" of rain annually. Hyssop needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Ottawa County, KS?
Ottawa County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Hyssop planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ottawa County, KS?
Ottawa County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 23.
Your Ottawa County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ottawa County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.