Agastache fennel

Agastache fennel (Agastache foeniculum), proposed by Akène

?? An aromatic, melliferous and medicinal perennial plant ??

Agastache fennel is an aromatic perennial plant native to North America, valued as much for its beauty as for its culinary and medicinal uses . Its serrated green foliage gives off an aniseed scent reminiscent of fennel, and its long spikes of lavender-purple flowers , in bloom from June to September , attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds .

?? Easy to grow and hardy , it thrives in well-drained, dry to moderately moist soils and thrives in full sun . Deer resistant and drought tolerant , it is ideal for naturalistic gardens, honey-producing arrangements and edible borders .

Characteristics of the variety

?? Flowering : June to September
?? Height : 100 cm
?? Spacing : 35 cm
?? Exposure : Sun, partial shade
?? Life cycle : Perennial
?? Soil type : Sandy to loamy, rich, well drained
?? Soil moisture content : Medium to slightly moist
?? Deer Resistance : High
?? Seeds per packet : 200

Sowing and cultivation

?? Sowing depth : Surface (seeds need light to germinate)
?? Germination time : 10 to 30 days
?? Cold stratification : 10 days
? Scarification : Not required

?? Indoor method (for optimal germination) :
1?? Mix the seeds with three parts moist vermiculite and place them in an airtight bag in the refrigerator for 10 days .
2?? After stratification, lightly press the seeds onto the surface of well-drained potting soil, without covering them.
3?? Keep the substrate moist until germination (10 to 30 days).
4?? Transplant the young plants to the garden after the last frosts , when they have at least 4 leaves .

?? Outdoor method :
?? Sow directly in late May in well-drained soil.
?? Water lightly until plants are established .

?? Once mature, agastache fennel reseeds itself and requires little maintenance .

Medicinal and culinary uses

?? A herb with many uses
The leaves and flowers of agastache fennel are edible and are used:

• ?? In infusion : Soothing herbal tea against coughs and digestive disorders.



• ?? In the kitchen : The leaves replace tarragon or fennel in dishes and salads.



• ?? For dessert : Infused in creams or incorporated into pastries for a touch of anise.

Ecological roles and utilities

?? A pollinator magnet : Very popular with bees, hummingbirds and butterflies .
?? An exceptional honey plant : Produces abundant nectar for local wildlife.
?? Drought Tolerant : Suitable for dry gardens and more arid climates .
?? A natural deer repellent : Its powerful aroma keeps them at bay.

Companion plants

?? Echinacea, monarda, rudbeckia, lemon balm

Enemy plants

?? None known

Why grow agastache fennel?

?? A long and melliferous flowering
?? An aromatic herb with medicinal and culinary virtues
?? Easy to grow, deer resistant and drought tolerant
?? An asset for biodiversity and a magnet for pollinators

?? Add Agastache Fennel to your garden to combine beauty, flavor and ecological usefulness!