Anise Hyssop Agastache on a white background.
Anise Hyssop blooming in the trial gardens at Baker Creek.
Anise Hyssop Agastache in a glass vase on a white background.
A close-up of Anise Hyssop Agastache flowers on white.
Anise Hyssop Agastache on a white background.
Anise Hyssop blooming in the trial gardens at Baker Creek.
Anise Hyssop Agastache in a glass vase on a white background.
A close-up of Anise Hyssop Agastache flowers on white.

Agastache Seeds,
Anise Hyssop

4.221 Reviews#HB122 · 125 seeds
Price
Regular price $3.50
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $3.50
Save $-3.50
/

FREE U.S. SHIPPING2-YEAR GUARANTEE

Description

(Agastache foeniculum) Sweet anise fragrance and flavor fill the air around purple flower spikes that bloom the first year. Hardy in zones 4–8, this adaptable perennial fits easily into beds, borders, herb gardens, and containers. Bees gather eagerly, drawn by its nectar-rich blooms. Leaves and flowers are prized for one of the finest herbal teas, with a long tradition of culinary and medicinal use. A time-tested favorite that blends beauty, usefulness, and steady garden performance.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Agastache foeniculum
Life Cycle
Perennial
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
7–16
Days to Maturity
90–110
Planting Depth
Surface sow
Plant Spacing
12–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
68–70°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost date for the best chance of first-year bloom, or direct sow outdoors in early spring once soil can be worked. Seeds require light to germinate and should be surface sown without covering. Cold stratification of two to four weeks can improve germination rates. As a hardy perennial, established plants will return reliably each season in USDA Hardiness Zones 4–8 without replanting. If you're not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Surface sow seeds by pressing them lightly into moist, well-drained soil without covering. Anise Hyssop adapts well to a range of soil types but performs best in moderately fertile, well-drained conditions. Transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening off, spacing plants approximately 12 inches apart to allow for their full, upright mature habit. Plants tolerate a range of soil pH levels and do not require heavily amended or rich soils to perform well.

How to Grow

Anise Hyssop is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established, requiring only moderate watering and little supplemental fertilization. It thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, particularly in hot summer climates. Cut plants back by one-third after the first flush of bloom to encourage a second wave of flowers later in the season. In colder zones, leave stems standing through winter to provide habitat and insulation, then cut back to the ground in early spring before new growth emerges.

How to Save Seeds

Anise Hyssop produces small seeds in clusters along the dried flower spike, typical of the Lamiacae family.

  • Allow a few flower spikes to dry fully on the plant at the end of the season
  • Harvest seed spikes by cutting and placing in a paper bag to capture any that fall
  • Dry thoroughly in a cool, well-ventilated location before cleaning
  • Store cleaned seeds in a sealed, labeled container in a cool, dry, dark place for up to 3 years

FAQ

How is Anise Hyssop Agastache used in cooking and herbal tea?

Fresh or dried leaves and flowers brew into a naturally sweet, anise-flavored herbal tea. Leaves can also be used to flavor baked goods, salads, and cold beverages.

Is Anise Hyssop Agastache the same plant as hyssop or anise?

No—Anise Hyssop Agastache is a distinct plant. Agastache foeniculum is native to North America. It is neither true hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) nor anise (pimpinella anisum) , though it shares their characteristic anise fragrance.

Will Anise Hyssop Agastache spread in the garden?

Yes— plants self-sow readily and will naturalize over time. Deadheading spent flower spikes will limit spreading, while allowing a few to go to seed encourages a healthy, expanding colony of plants.

Browse our full range of hyssop and agastache seeds.

Customer reviews

4.2 / 5 21 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Sweet anise tea: Leaves and flowers brew a mild licorice tea, hot or iced.

  • Pollinator favorite: Bees, hummingbirds and butterflies swarm the purple spires.

  • Comes back and reseeds: Overwinters well and seeds volunteers around the garden.

  • Thrives on neglect: Handles drought, heat and poor soil with little water.

  • Tall purple spires: Reaches 3 to 4 feet, often blooming the first year.

More to grow!

See all Agastache Seeds