Sale Sold out

Anise Hyssop Seeds – Agastache foeniculum

Name: Anise Hyssop Seeds – Agastache foeniculum
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMENCES
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Common name Anise Hyssop

Latin name Agastache foeniculum

Quantity per packet Minimum 200 seeds

Anise Hyssop strongly supports biodiversity by providing nectar to a wide range of pollinators for several months. Its aromatic foliage and edible flowers also make it a valuable addition to herb gardens, native perennial gardens and ecological landscapes. As a long-blooming native perennial, Agastache foeniculum offers reliable summer colour while requiring relatively little maintenance once established.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameAnise Hyssop

Latin nameAgastache foeniculum

FamilyLamiaceae

TypeNative perennial flower

CyclePerennial

Quantity per packMinimum 200 seeds

Product
description

Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a fragrant North American native perennial celebrated for its tall spikes of lavender-purple flowers and aromatic green foliage with a sweet anise fragrance. Blooming generously from June through September, it adds striking vertical interest to perennial borders, wildflower meadows, and pollinator gardens. Reaching approximately 100 cm (39 in) in height with a spread of 35 cm (14 in), it creates a graceful, colorful presence while providing outstanding ornamental beauty, ecological value, and culinary appeal. Hardy to -34°C (-30°F), Agastache foeniculum thrives in Canadian gardens and returns reliably each year when grown in well-drained soil.

Anise Hyssop grows best in full sun to light partial shade in fertile, well-drained sandy to loamy soil with moderate moisture. Sow Anise Hyssop seeds on the soil surface, as light promotes germination, either indoors from March to April or directly outdoors in spring. Keep the growing medium consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 10 to 30 days at temperatures between 18 and 22°C (64 to 72°F). Once established, this drought-tolerant perennial requires only moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. A light application of compost each spring is all that is needed to support vigorous growth and abundant flowering.

In the garden, Anise Hyssop pairs beautifully with Purple Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Bee Balm, and Goldenrod, creating vibrant naturalistic plantings rich in biodiversity. Its nectar-rich flowers continuously attract native bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the growing season, making it one of the finest pollinator plants for ecological landscapes. The edible leaves and flowers, with their delicate anise and fennel flavor, can be enjoyed fresh or dried in herbal teas, salads, desserts, and refreshing beverages. Whether grown in containers or directly in the garden, Agastache foeniculum provides fragrance, movement, and months of pollinator activity while enhancing the beauty and biodiversity of the landscape.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodStart Anise Hyssop seeds indoors from March to April or sow them directly outdoors in spring after the soil has warmed.

Best time

Spring after the last frost

Sowing depthSurface sow

Spacing / density

30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in)

Germination temperature18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F)

Germination time10 to 30 days

Propagation

Propagate Anise Hyssop from seed or by dividing mature clumps in spring.

Growing Anise Hyssop from seed is an economical way to establish larger pollinator gardens, native perennial beds and naturalized plantings.

Growing
method

Sow Anise Hyssop seeds on the surface of a moist growing medium, as light promotes germination. Start seeds indoors from March to April or sow directly outdoors once the soil has warmed in spring. Maintain a temperature of 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F) and consistent moisture until germination, which usually takes 10 to 30 days. This perennial prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil but also tolerates partial shade. Once established, it withstands moderately dry periods. It attracts many pollinators and may self-sow naturally in favorable gardens. Its hardiness makes Agastache foeniculum an excellent plant for ecological landscapes in Canada and the USA.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun to partial shade. For the strongest flowering and nectar production, grow Anise Hyssop in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Soil

Grow Anise Hyssop in rich, well-drained sandy to loamy soil. Agastache foeniculum performs best in fertile soil that does not remain waterlogged. Once established, this native perennial plant tolerates moderately dry conditions.

Soil pH6.0 to 7.5

Watering

Water Anise Hyssop moderately and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, this hardy native perennial tolerates short dry periods and generally requires little supplemental watering.

Fertilization

A light application of mature compost in spring is usually enough to support healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer. Too much nitrogen may promote soft foliage growth at the expense of flower and nectar production.

Care levelLow to moderate

In spring, remove the dry stems that were left standing through winter and apply a thin layer of compost around the plants. During summer, water only during prolonged dry periods, as Anise Hyssop tolerates moderate drought once established. Deadhead a few spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. In fall, leave the flower spikes standing to feed birds and protect the crown. This species requires little maintenance once well established.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in)

Anise Hyssop is especially easy to grow in containers thanks to its adaptable root system and good tolerance of dry conditions. Use a pot at least 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) wide, filled with a light, well-drained potting mix. Place the container in a sunny location to encourage abundant flowering and strong nectar production. Water moderately, allowing the growing medium to dry slightly between waterings. Container culture also brings the flowers closer to patios and balconies, where hummingbirds and pollinators can be observed easily.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Anise Hyssop seeds produce a hardy, fragrant native perennial with abundant lavender-purple flower spikes. The nectar-rich blooms support bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, while the edible leaves and flowers add culinary value to herb gardens.

This versatile plant combines beauty, biodiversity and practical use in a single low-maintenance perennial.

Anise Hyssop strongly supports biodiversity by providing nectar to a wide range of pollinators for several months. Its aromatic foliage and edible flowers also make it a valuable addition to herb gardens, native perennial gardens and ecological landscapes.

As a long-blooming native perennial, Agastache foeniculum offers reliable summer colour while requiring relatively little maintenance once established.

Garden use

Anise Hyssop is ideal for pollinator gardens, perennial borders, wildflower meadows, herb gardens, and naturalistic plantings. Its tall flower spikes create attractive vertical structure while continuously drawing beneficial insects, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It pairs beautifully with Purple Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Bee Balm, Goldenrod, and ornamental grasses. The cut flowers, edible blooms, and aromatic leaves further increase its value in the garden.

Bloom period

Anise Hyssop blooms from June through September, producing tall, nectar-rich flower spikes over an extended period. Its long flowering season makes it one of the most valuable long-blooming native perennials for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Flower colorLavender purple

Foliage colorGreen

Harvest

Plants generally bloom during their second year, although some Anise Hyssop plants may flower during the first growing season under favourable conditions.

Fruiting

After flowering, Anise Hyssop develops small capsules containing numerous viable seeds. The seeds may fall naturally and produce volunteer seedlings in suitable garden conditions.

Leave several mature flower spikes standing if you want the plant to self-seed or provide food for birds.

Wildlife appealHummingbirds, bees and butterflies

Size
and facts

Height100 cm (39 in)

Spread35 cm (14 in)

Growth rateModerate

Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 3–8

Minimum temperature-34°C (-30°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous herbaceous perennial

Colibristrue

Papillonstrue

Insectes utilestrue

Résistant aux cerfstrue

Pet friendlytrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Purple Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Bee Balm and Goldenrod

Avoid planting with

Mint, Lemon Balm, Tansy and Horseradish. These vigorous plants may spread aggressively and compete with Anise Hyssop for space, water and nutrients.

Recipe
and inspiration

The leaves and flowers release a fragrance reminiscent of anise and fennel and can be used fresh or dried in herbal tea. They also flavor salads, desserts, lemonades, and herb blends. The edible flowers beautifully decorate dishes while adding a mild, slightly licorice-like taste. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and extends the usable season.

Frequently asked questions

When should I plant Anise Hyssop seeds? +

Start Anise Hyssop seeds indoors from March to April, or sow them directly in the garden during spring once the soil has warmed. Because the seeds require light to germinate, press them onto the soil surface rather than burying them deeply.

Why does Anise Hyssop attract so many pollinators? +

Anise Hyssop produces tall flower spikes containing abundant nectar. These blooms continuously attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds throughout much of the summer. Agastache foeniculum is considered one of the best native perennials for pollinators and wildlife-friendly gardens.

Is Anise Hyssop edible? +

Yes. The leaves and flowers have a pleasant anise or mild liquorice flavour. They may be used fresh or dried in herbal tea, salads, desserts, lemonade and aromatic garnishes.

Can Anise Hyssop be grown in containers? +

Yes. Anise Hyssop grows well in containers when planted in a light, well-drained potting mix. Choose a sunny location and use a pot at least 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) wide.

How do you care for Anise Hyssop in Canada? +

Leave the dry flower stalks standing through winter and cut them back in spring. The stems help protect the crown, provide winter habitat and retain seeds for birds. A light layer of compost and occasional watering during prolonged drought are generally sufficient.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.