When to Plant Hyssop in Alcorn County, MS
Top priorities for Alcorn County, Mississippi gardeners in May
May is a pivotal month for Alcorn County, Mississippi gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- 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.
Alcorn County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 211 days.
At an elevation of 195 feet, Alcorn County receives approximately 56.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Hyssop during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Hyssop, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Hyssop root diseases.
Alcorn County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
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 Alcorn County
How your county's soil matches Hyssop's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.6) overlaps with Hyssop's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Alcorn County is excellent for Hyssop — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Hyssop.
How to Plant Hyssop
Succession Planting Hyssop
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 30 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 | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in Alcorn 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 — Alcorn County, MS
Hyssop Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
211 days in Alcorn County
Growing Tips for Hyssop in Alcorn County
Direct sow Hyssop outdoors after March 31 in Alcorn County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Alcorn County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Hyssop. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Alcorn County, MS?
Alcorn County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Hyssop planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Alcorn County, MS?
Alcorn County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is October 28.
Your Alcorn County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Alcorn County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.