Anise Hyssop

Name: Anise Hyssop
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMENCES
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Sale Sold out

Anise hyssop in flower, an aromatic perennial with purple spikes. Anise hyssop carries toothed, anise-scented leaves and lavender to purple spikes. Summer flowering adds vertical colour to herb gardens and pollinator borders. This botanical description identifies the plant species associated with this packet of seeds; the appearance of its foliage, flowers and fruits changes with the season and the maturity of the plant.

Native aromatic perennial Lamiaceae

Aromatic perennials for pollinators

Akène

Agastache foeniculum

Common nameAnise Hyssop

FamilyLamiaceae

GenusAgastache

Speciesfoeniculum

TypeNative aromatic perennial

Botanical nameAgastache foeniculum

Quantity per packetAbout 200 seeds

Anise Hyssop combines toothed, anise-scented leaves with upright lavender to purple flower spikes. The summer bloom brings vertical colour to herb gardens and borders planned for pollinators. This perennial member of the Lamiaceae family grows to a mature height of 100 cm (39.4 in), with flowering from June to September in lavender-blue to purple tones. Foliage, flowers and developing seed structures change its appearance through the growing season. Young plants raised from seed need time to develop this mature outline, so their first leaves and shoots will not yet show the full form of an established flowering clump.

Anise hyssop seeds let you grow Agastache foeniculum from identified seed, following the preparation and sowing steps that match the needs of this particular species. For anise hyssop, choose a position in sun to partial shade and soil that is sandy or loamy, maintained at moderate to high moisture levels. Surface-sow anise hyssop seeds in light and maintain moisture during the emergence of young seedlings. A 10-day moist cold treatment can improve germination but is optional. Start indoors in spring or sow outside after frost. An application of fertilizer does not replace suitable soil.

Leaves and flowers can be used sparingly as culinary herbs. Also leave open spikes for bees, butterflies and other flower visitors without presenting a food use as a treatment. When harvesting anise hyssop for food, use only the leaves and flowers from positively identified plants that have not been treated. A pot can support the first seedlings; then plan a position suited to the developing roots. Anise Hyssop contributes to a planted garden where the vegetation can provide food or shelter through its flowers, fruits and leafy growth. Foliage texture deserves as much attention as flower colour when you select neighbouring plants.

In the garden

Exposure: Sun to partial shade
Life cycle: Perennial
Hardiness: Zone 4

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

Surface

Spacing / density

35 cm (13.8 in)

Germination time

10 to 30 days

Sowing period

Indoors before the last frost or outdoors in spring or fall

Propagation

Seed, division or basal cuttings

Growing method

Grow Agastache foeniculum from identified anise hyssop seeds; start indoors in spring or outdoors after frost. Write the botanical name and sowing dates on a durable label; keep it with the seedlings so you can identify those that emerge at different times. Moisten the growing mix gradually and let excess water drain away, rather than leaving the newly sown seeds and developing seedlings above stagnant water. Surface-sow anise hyssop seeds in light and keep the medium moist. An optional 10-day moist cold treatment may improve germination; label any treated batch clearly. As the seedlings emerge, gradually increase ventilation beneath any cover, and keep them in enough light to encourage growth without weak, stretched stems. Transplant young plants carefully without pulling their stems or compacting the growing medium around their roots. Harden plants off gradually outdoors, initially protecting them from wind and intense sunlight. In Canadian gardens, time planting around the spring conditions you actually have, rather than following a fixed date that overlooks local frost. Keep the label beside the plants in the garden, and watch how they establish before moving a seedling that still appears small or undeveloped. For anise hyssop, choose a position in sun to partial shade and soil that is sandy or loamy, maintained at moderate to high moisture levels.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Moisture

Medium to moist

Care level

Moderate

Drought tolerance

Yes

Watering

When watering Anise Hyssop, aim to maintain moderate to high soil moisture while accounting for the rain received and the development of its roots. Check the soil around young roots before adding more water, paying close attention to newly transplanted plants. Water the growing medium in seed trays gently to avoid displacing the seeds or injuring young seedlings. In a container, also check the pot bottom and its limited soil volume, which respond quickly to hot weather.

Soil type

Soil for anise hyssop should match these conditions: sandy or loamy, with moderate to high moisture. After rainfall, watch where water collects on the ground and how it drains away before preparing the planting site. Prepare the planting bed carefully without compacting the root zone, and remove weeds before setting the young plants into the ground. For container growing, choose a mix that maintains the same balance of soil moisture and drainage around the roots.

Fertilization

Fertilizing anise hyssop begins by choosing suitable ground conditions: soil that is sandy or loamy. Assess the plant’s vigour and the condition of its roots before attempting to accelerate growth with fertilizer. Applying fertilizer does not correct a lack of water, a poorly chosen planting site or unsuitable drainage. Use a soil amendment only according to the ground’s actual needs and the selected product’s instructions. In a container, also follow the growing-mix instructions; do not infer a feeding dose from the plant’s mature size.

Seasonal care

Seasonal care of anise hyssop begins in spring by observing soil, new growth and the overall condition of the plants. Wait until you can see where new growth is emerging before cutting stems or working close to a root ball that is still difficult to locate. In summer, pay particular attention to young plantings during dry spells because their roots remain more limited. Adjust watering to the amount of rainfall and soil conditions rather than replacing observation with an identical weekly schedule. Weed carefully around the roots, and avoid digging or turning the soil deeply while the plants are growing in the bed. Observe flowers before deciding which stems to retain for seeds and which parts to remove for garden management. In autumn, decide which fruiting stems to retain for your garden goals, and keep any seed you collect in separate, clearly labelled batches. Through the Canadian winter, keep foot traffic off the planting and avoid depositing de-icing salt where it can reach the roots. Leaves and flowers can be used sparingly as culinary herbs. Also leave open spikes for bees, butterflies and other flower visitors without presenting a food use as a treatment. For anise hyssop, choose a position in sun to partial shade and soil that is sandy or loamy, maintained at moderate to high moisture levels. When harvesting anise hyssop for food, use only the leaves and flowers from positively identified plants that have not been treated.

Container growing

Recommended pot size

At least 30 to 40 cm wide and deep

Container cultivation of anise hyssop needs to reproduce its light and moisture requirements while monitoring a limited reserve of growing medium. Stand the container on a stable surface and check that water can leave the bottom after watering. Choose a growing mix that suits the soil and moisture conditions this plant needs, then moisten it evenly before transplanting seedlings. Position the pot according to its recommended exposure and watch for sun-heated walls, especially during hot spells. Check the growing medium with your fingers before watering; rainfall does not always wet a sheltered container evenly. Manage watering without allowing a full saucer to undermine the drainage the plant needs. Any fertilizer should follow product instructions and the plant’s condition, without calculating a dose from future size. In Canadian gardens, a plant that overwinters well in the ground can face greater temperature swings when its roots remain above ground inside a pot. Before winter, plan suitable protection for the potted plant’s roots, and keep the pot accessible so you can check the condition of its growing medium. You can keep young seedlings in containers while they establish, then move them into the permanent garden position you have prepared for them. Space the plants 35 cm (13.8 in) apart to allow room for their growth.

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

100 cm (39.4 in)

Flower color

Lavender-blue to purple

Foliage color

Medium to dark green

Foliage type

Herbaceous deciduous

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Upright, branching and clump-forming

Fragrance

Strong anise, fennel and liquorice scent

Edible parts

Leaves and flowers

Bloom period

The flowering period for anise hyssop is June to September; its flowers are lavender-blue to purple. The flowering calendar varies with the growing season and planting position; it is not a guaranteed period counted from sowing. Position the plants according to their light requirements so the flowers can develop under conditions suited to the species. Retain some faded flowering stems when you want to observe fruiting structures and prepare for collecting mature seeds.

Fruiting

Anise Hyssop produces small brown seeds formed in dry spikes after the flowers have faded. Fruiting depends on how well the plants have established and on the growing conditions throughout the season. For another sowing, collect only ripe material of known identity and keep a label with the batch. When harvesting anise hyssop for food, use only the leaves and flowers from positively identified plants that have not been treated.

Harvest

Harvest leaves before or during flowering, pick open flowers and collect seeds as spikes brown and dry.

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

When choosing companions for anise hyssop, select plants sharing sun to partial shade exposure and moderate to high soil moisture. Leaves and flowers can be used sparingly as culinary herbs. Also leave open spikes for bees, butterflies and other flower visitors without presenting a food use as a treatment. Arrange the individual specimens to preserve a clear access route for watering and weeding while their roots become established. These combinations rely on compatible growing needs and a landscape effect; they do not guarantee increased growth or the elimination of pests.

Garden use

In the garden, Anise Hyssop fits a scene organized around its growth habit and requirements, with the neighbouring plants suited to the same habitat. Leave a clear path so you can water the young roots, remove weeds and watch the plants develop without stepping into the planting. Arrange taller plants with their future shade in mind, so the smaller plants beside them continue to receive the light they need. Foliage texture deserves as much attention as flower colour when you select neighbouring plants. Associations organize growing requirements and the landscape scene; automatic protection from pests is not promised. Before planting, prepare the ground carefully and preserve its structure; once the plant is in place, gently settle the soil around the root ball. A container can help you establish the first seedlings, but choose their permanent position with the size and root development of mature plants in mind. Space the plants 35 cm (13.8 in) apart to allow room for their growth. For anise hyssop, choose a position in sun to partial shade and soil that is sandy or loamy, maintained at moderate to high moisture levels. When harvesting anise hyssop for food, use only the leaves and flowers from positively identified plants that have not been treated.

Recipe idea

From garden to table

For two servings of potatoes with anise hyssop leaves, use 400 g (14.1 oz) of potatoes, 5 mL (1 tsp) of chopped leaves and 15 mL (1 tbsp) of olive oil. Harvest only positively identified leaves from an untreated plant, leaving enough foliage for continued growth. Wash the potatoes, cut them into even pieces and cook in water until tender. Briefly rinse the leaves, dry them and chop finely to distribute their flavour through the dish. Drain the potatoes, add the oil and stir in the leaves just before serving. Taste before adding salt or more leaves: begin with a small amount of this herb. Serve warm as a side dish. Once any leftovers have cooled, put them in a covered container and store them in the refrigerator. This culinary preparation uses neither essential oil nor concentrated extract and makes no therapeutic claim. Also retain some flowering stems in the planted area of the garden so harvesting does not remove every resource for flower visitors.

Frequently asked questions

How do I sow anise hyssop seeds?

Surface-sow anise hyssop seeds in light and maintain moisture during the emergence of young seedlings. A 10-day moist cold treatment can improve germination but is optional. Start indoors in spring or sow outside after frost. Anise hyssop seeds let you grow Agastache foeniculum from identified seed, following the preparation and sowing steps that match the needs of this particular species. Moisten the growing mix gradually and let excess water drain away, rather than leaving the newly sown seeds and developing seedlings above stagnant water. Harden plants off gradually outdoors, initially protecting them from wind and intense sunlight. Clear weeds from the planting site beforehand so the seedlings’ small root systems can begin to establish without immediate competition.

What soil and light does anise hyssop need?

For anise hyssop, choose a position in sun to partial shade and soil that is sandy or loamy, maintained at moderate to high moisture levels. Leaves and flowers can be used sparingly as culinary herbs. Also leave open spikes for bees, butterflies and other flower visitors without presenting a food use as a treatment. For container growing, choose a mix that maintains the same balance of soil moisture and drainage around the roots. When watering Anise Hyssop, aim to maintain moderate to high soil moisture while accounting for the rain received and the development of its roots. Check the soil around young roots before adding more water, paying close attention to newly transplanted plants.

Can I grow anise hyssop in a pot?

Container cultivation of anise hyssop needs to reproduce its light and moisture requirements while monitoring a limited reserve of growing medium. Choose a pot with drainage holes and room for roots to develop; do not reduce drainage by blocking the holes. Stand the container on a stable surface and check that water can leave the bottom after watering. Choose a growing mix that suits the soil and moisture conditions this plant needs, then moisten it evenly before transplanting seedlings. Manage watering without allowing a full saucer to undermine the drainage the plant needs. Before winter, plan suitable protection for the potted plant’s roots, and keep the pot accessible so you can check the condition of its growing medium.

What should I consider when planting anise hyssop in the garden?

In the garden, Anise Hyssop fits a scene organized around its growth habit and requirements, with the neighbouring plants suited to the same habitat. Arrange taller plants with their future shade in mind, so the smaller plants beside them continue to receive the light they need. Before planting, prepare the ground carefully and preserve its structure; once the plant is in place, gently settle the soil around the root ball. A container can help you establish the first seedlings, but choose their permanent position with the size and root development of mature plants in mind. A naturalistic planting remains a managed garden: respond to actual needs rather than removing every stem on the same date.

How do I care for anise hyssop through the seasons?

Seasonal care of anise hyssop begins in spring by observing soil, new growth and the overall condition of the plants. Wait until you can see where new growth is emerging before cutting stems or working close to a root ball that is still difficult to locate. In summer, pay particular attention to young plantings during dry spells because their roots remain more limited. Adjust watering to the amount of rainfall and soil conditions rather than replacing observation with an identical weekly schedule. In autumn, decide which fruiting stems to retain for your garden goals, and keep any seed you collect in separate, clearly labelled batches. Through the Canadian winter, keep foot traffic off the planting and avoid depositing de-icing salt where it can reach the roots.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Attracts birds

Yes

Native plant

Yes

Supporting wildlife

Anise Hyssop contributes to a planted garden where the vegetation can provide food or shelter through its flowers, fruits and leafy growth. Retain some of the mature fruiting structures and avoid applying treatments to flowers while visiting insects are using them. Observe the wildlife that visits locally: its presence depends on habitat, season and the resources accessible around the planted area.