Thompson & Morgan Kew 'Hyssop' seeds

Grown from seed selected in partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, this is a beautifully varied take on a classic herb garden favourite. 'Tricolour Mixed' produces a pretty blend of purple, pink and white flowers on short, upright spikes from midsummer through to autumn, held above aromatic, semi-evergreen foliage. As versatile as it is pretty, it earns its place in a herb garden, wildlife border, or as a low informal hedge, and its nectar-rich flowers make it a firm favourite with bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. The leaves have culinary uses too, adding a distinctive tang to meat dishes, salads, and herbal teas.

Sow indoors or under glass from April to May, scattering seed on the surface of barely moist seed compost — Hyssop needs light to germinate, so don't cover the seed. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, pot on and grow away from frost until ready to plant out. Reaching around 60cm in height with a spread of up to 1m, it thrives in full sun and free-draining soil, and once established is low-maintenance and quite drought-tolerant. Expect flowers from July through September.

Each pack is hand-selected before dispatch to ensure the best possible germination results.