When to Plant Hyssop in Morris County, TX
Top priorities for Morris County, Texas gardeners in May
Your garden in Morris County, Texas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Bring in the hyssop
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
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.
Morris County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.
At an elevation of 185 feet, Morris County receives approximately 69.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Hyssop may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Hyssop will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Hyssop root diseases.
Morris County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy 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 Morris 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
Sandy soil in Morris County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Hyssop will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Hyssop.
How to Plant Hyssop
Succession Planting Hyssop
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 13 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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 11.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 11.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 9.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Morris 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 — Morris County, TX
Hyssop Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
244 days in Morris County
Growing Tips for Hyssop in Morris County
Direct sow Hyssop outdoors after March 12 in Morris County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Morris County dries quickly — mulch Hyssop with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Morris County, provide afternoon shade for Hyssop and water deeply in the morning.
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 Morris County, TX?
Morris County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Hyssop planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morris County, TX?
Morris County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 11.
Your Morris County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Morris County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.