Herb 'Anise Hyssop'

Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a hardy perennial herb prized for its fragrant foliage and tall spikes of nectar-rich purple blooms. Both leaves and flowers carry a sweet, licorice-like aroma that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in abundance. Easy to grow, it thrives in full sun with well-drained soil, tolerates drought once established, and self-seeds reliably. Beyond its ornamental and pollinator value, the leaves can be used fresh or dried for teas, offering a naturally soothing flavour.

DETAILS:

QTY: 100

SITE: Sun

TYPE: Tender Perennial

DEPTH: Cover Lightly - Light needed

GERMINATION: 7-16 Days at 18 - 22°C

MATURITY: 75 - 80 Days

HEIGHT: 24-36"

SPACING: 6-12"

HOW TO GROW:
Transplant (Recommended): Tamp seeds into the soil mix or just barely cover with soil. Anise hyssop will transplant easily at any age. When transplanting, place seedlings 6-12" apart in rows 24-36" apart. Direct seed: Sow shallowly, 1/4" deep, one seed per inch in spring. Thin to 6-12" apart.

Soil Preference: Anise hyssop thrives in well-drained soil. It is not particular about soil type and can tolerate a wide range, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they don't retain too much water. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0), but it is very adaptable. Avoid overly rich soil, as it can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.

Fertilizing: Anise hyssop is a low-maintenance plant and generally does not require heavy fertilizing. In most cases, a single application of a balanced, all-purpose granular fertilizer in the spring is sufficient. If your soil is particularly poor, you can amend it with compost or a slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting. Over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen fertilizers, can promote lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

Pinching: Pinching is a great way to encourage a bushier, more compact plant with more flowering stems. When the plant is about 6-8 inches tall, use your fingers or a small pair of snips to pinch or cut back the top 1-2 inches of the main stem. This will encourage the plant to branch out. You can repeat this process on the new stems a few weeks later for an even fuller plant.

Harvest Instructions:

• Leaves: The leaves have a sweet, licorice-like flavor and can be harvested throughout the growing season. For the best flavor, harvest leaves in the morning after the dew has dried. Simply snip individual leaves or small stems as needed.

• Flowers: The beautiful purple flower spikes are edible and can be used as a garnish or in teas. Harvest flowers when they are fully open for the best color and flavor. You can snip the entire flower spike or pick individual florets.

• For Drying: To dry anise hyssop for tea or potpourri, harvest the flower spikes and upper foliage just as the flowers are beginning to open. Cut the stems about 6-8 inches long, tie them in small bundles, and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area. Once completely dry, store the leaves and flowers in an airtight container.

Potential Tips:

• Pollinators: Anise hyssop is a fantastic plant for attracting pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Plant it in a location where you can enjoy the visitors!

• Self-Seeding: Anise hyssop can self-seed quite readily. If you don't want it to spread, deadhead the spent flower spikes before they go to seed. Alternatively, you can allow it to self-sow and then transplant the new seedlings the following spring.

• Companion Planting: Anise hyssop makes an excellent companion plant for vegetables and fruits, as it attracts beneficial insects that prey on garden pests.

• Winter Care: This perennial is hardy in zones 4-8. In the fall, you can leave the stems standing to provide winter interest and food for birds. Cut them back to the ground in early spring before new growth emerges.