Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a perennial herb from the mint family known for its fragrant, anise-like aroma and vibrant purple-blue flower spikes. Native to North America, particularly the Great Plains, it thrives in sunny gardens with well-drained soil. The plant grows up to 3 – 5 feet tall, with lush green, heart-shaped leaves that emit a licorice scent when crushed.
Its blossoms, which appear in mid-to-late summer, are beloved by pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Beyond its ornamental value, Anise Hyssop has a rich history of use in traditional medicine, especially by Indigenous peoples and early settlers. It’s commonly used to soothe respiratory issues, relieve digestive discomfort, and ease cold symptoms.
Anise Hyssop’s leaves and flowers are edible, often used in teas, salads, and baked goods, contributing both a sweet licorice flavor and medicinal benefits. The plant’s essential oils, particularly methyl chavicol, give it its distinctive scent and contribute to its therapeutic properties.
Growing Anise Hyssop from seeds is a straightforward process that rewards you with a fragrant, bee-friendly herb.
Starting Anise Hyssop from Seeds:
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Alternatively, you can sow seeds directly outdoors once the soil has warmed in late spring.
Anise Hyssop seeds require light to germinate, so do not cover them deeply with soil. Lightly press the seeds into the surface of a seed-starting mix or well-drained garden soil.
Use a light, well-draining soil mix, as Anise Hyssop prefers dry to moderately moist soil. It thrives in sunny spots but can tolerate partial shade.
Ensure the soil is not too rich; the plant does best in moderately fertile soils.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy while the seeds are germinating. Once established, Anise Hyssop is drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering.
Seeds will germinate in about 1-3 weeks, depending on conditions. Ideal temperatures for germination range from 60-70°F (15-21°C).
Once seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Then, transplant them into the garden, spacing plants 12-18 inches apart.
Anise Hyssop is low-maintenance once established. It benefits from occasional deadheading to promote more blooms and a fuller appearance.
This herb can reseed itself in the garden, but it’s not invasive.
Seedling to Bloom: Anise Hyssop typically takes 60-90 days from sowing to flowering, with blooms appearing in mid-to-late summer.
Mature Plants: It can grow up to 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide.
Leaves and flowers can be harvested for teas, cooking, or medicinal use once the plant is well-established.
These seeds are available directly from Garden Faerie Botanicals in the heart of British Columbia, Canada. The collection features heirloom and heritage seeds that are personally cultivated organically without the use of any chemicals. Emphasizing historical, rare, non-GMO seeds, this selection preserves biodiversity through open-pollination.
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