I planted Apache Sunset this year and sprinkled seeds in small pots the same way you did. I decided to plant the small clusters of seedlings in ground and will thin them later if/when needed. They went in late, and are just getting established now, but seem happy.

i had 1 pot that had a dozen seedlings that were around 5". i separated & replanted them in individual pots. i watered them heavily & kept them in the shade. they recovered quickly. i'll let them get taller & transplant them into the garden in the early fall do they have time to get established. i'll be putting fewer seeds in the pots in the future.

I agree with Robert, hyssop takes easily to transplanting with little set back, I was moving some seedings around today in fact.

where are you .. july is usually much to late to transplant much of anything ..its too hot.. the days too long.. drought is usually possible.. and nights are hot so little recovery period... in my MI anyway ....

that said.. you have too many.. so why not try..

try a rainy day ... or drown them the day before so they are ready.. and go for it..

include your big city location in every post ...

ken

and.. being perennial.. you could transplant them into tray or small pots.. and grow them on.. for planting in full bright shade.. in the next proper planting season come fall ...

ken

i'm in the st louis area. so far the transplants are doing fine. as i said i'll let them grow in their pots over the summer & plant them in the garden in the fall. i have 5 more pots of these to go. what's odd is that i'm having good luck growing these in pots but they are not reseeding themselves in the garden. i've tried roughing the soil with a dirt rake, sowing the seeds, & watering them in to no avail.