How to Successfully Grow Anise Hyssop from Seed

Anise hyssop is a lovely herbaceous perennial that adds fragrant foliage and bee-friendly blooms to gardens. Growing anise hyssop from seed is an easy and affordable way to propagate this plant. In this comprehensive guide we’ll walk through when and how to sow anise hyssop seeds both indoors and directly outside. We’ll also cover seed starting tips to help ensure success raising anise hyssop from seed.

An Overview of Anise Hyssop

Also called licorice mint, anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is not closely related to actual hyssop or anise This clump-forming plant features fragrant leaves with a licorice scent and lavender, blue, or white flower spikes It thrives in average garden conditions and attracts pollinators. Here are some key facts

• Herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae mint family
• Grows 2-4 feet tall with square stems
• Rich green leaves with licorice fragrance
• Tubular flowers in shades of purple, blue, or white
• Native to prairies and open woodlands of central/eastern North America
• Prefers full sun to part shade in average, well-drained soil
• Extremely attractive to bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators

Anise hyssop is a great plant for herb gardens, butterfly gardens, borders, and more because it blooms for a long time and attracts wildlife. Growing your own from seed is a simple, affordable option.

When to Sow Anise Hyssop Seeds

Anise hyssop can be direct sown outside in late spring after all danger of frost has passed. For a head start, you can also start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost.

Indoors: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your final frost date. Anise hyssop takes 10-20 days to germinate at 70°F soil temperature. Grow the seedlings under lights until ready to transplant outside after frost risk ends.

When the soil is at least 60°F outside, you can directly plant seeds in garden beds that have been prepared. This is usually late spring in most regions. Allow 10-20 days for germination when soil is warm enough.

You can also sow seeds in late fall for natural winter cold stratification. The seeds will then germinate when temperatures warm up the following spring.

How to Sow Anise Hyssop Seeds

Follow these simple steps for sowing anise hyssop seeds both indoors and directly outside:

Indoors

• Fill seed trays or cell packs with moistened, sterile seed starting mix. Sow seeds on the soil surface since light aids germination.

Outdoors

• Prepare seed beds with loose, weed-free soil. Sow seeds on the soil surface.

• Just barely cover the tiny seeds with 1/8 inch of vermiculite or seed starting mix. Seeds need light to germinate so avoid burying too deep.

• Gently water to moisten the soil without washing away seeds. Keep consistently moist but not soaked.

• Maintain warm 70°F soil temperatures for best germination results. Provide bottom heat as needed.

• Seedlings will emerge in 10-20 days. Thin or transplant seedlings to final spacing of 12-18 inches apart once established.

• Harden off plants that were started indoors before moving them outside after the risk of frost has passed in late spring.

Growing Anise Hyssop from Seedlings

Once your anise hyssop seeds have successfully germinated:

• Keep seedlings under lights or in a sunny window with routine watering. Use fans to strengthen stems.

• Feed with diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Anise hyssop grows best in average to poor fertility soil.

• Transplant into larger containers as seedlings grow. Move plants outside during the day to harden off.

• Plant outdoors when soil warms up, spacing 12-18 inches apart. Water transplants regularly as they establish.

• Mulch young plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds, avoiding burying the crown.

• Pinch off tips initially to encourage branching and a compact growth habit.

Ongoing Care of Anise Hyssop

To keep your anise hyssop thriving:

• Grow in full sun for the most prolific flowering and vigorous growth. Anise hyssop also tolerates partial shade.

• Provide average moisture the first year for root establishment. Mature plants have good drought tolerance.

• Loosen soil and avoid compacting roots. Prevent soggy soil that causes root rot.

• Cut plants back by a third after flowering to stimulate a second bloom period.

• Prune spent flower stems and any damaged growth in fall. Mulch plants in cold winter regions.

• Divide congested plants every 2-3 years in spring to rejuvenate them.

With proper growing conditions, anise hyssop will reward your efforts with months of blossoms and fragrant foliage.

Saving Anise Hyssop Seeds

To save seeds for future propagation:

• Allow flower stems to fully mature and dry out on the plants during fall.

• Collect dried seed heads once seeds easily shake free inside. Or place drying heads in paper bags.

• Break open dry heads over a container to catch released seeds. Remove debris and chaff.

• Spread seeds in a single layer on paper to finish drying. Use a silica gel desiccant to aid drying if needed.

• When thoroughly dry, store seeds in labeled, sealed envelopes or jars in a cool location.

Stored properly in a dry spot, anise hyssop seeds remain viable for 2-3 years. Saving your own seeds preserves genetics and provides a free ongoing supply.

Tips for Successful Anise Hyssop Seed Propagation

Follow these tips to maximize your chances of success growing anise hyssop from seed:

• Always use fresh seeds within the recommended viability period. Stored seeds often have lower germination rates.

• Start more seeds than needed, thinning later to keep just the strongest seedlings.

• Time indoor seeding properly so seedlings are ready to transplant outside on schedule after frost danger passes.

• Gradually harden off indoor-started seedlings before transplanting outside.

• Control weeds and maintain even soil moisture for best seedling establishment.

• Grow in lean, well-draining soil. Avoid over-fertilizing that causes lanky growth.

With the right timing, care, and patience, you can grow abundant anise hyssop from seed. The fragrant foliage and bee-friendly blooms will enhance your garden for years to come.