Also known as agastache, lavender hyssop, and licorice mint, this heirloom is loved by hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. With a minty, anise/licorice flavor, it is as useful in the kitchen as it is beautiful. The leaves and flowers make a refreshing, fruity tea, and can be added to salads. The lavender-blue flower spikes are lovely in fresh floral arrangements or dried bouquets. Perennial in USDA zones 4-8. Fairly drought tolerant once established.
~0.1 g
(~270 seeds)
Couldn't load pickup availability
- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
- Growing Info
- Learn More
Variety Info
Family: Lamiaceae
Native: Midwestern U.S.
Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 4–8
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Bloom Period: Summer
Plant Dimensions: 24"-48" tall, 12" wide
Variety Info: 2"–6" long lavender-blue flower spikes
Attributes: Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flower, Edible Flower, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is 60°–75°F. May also be sown in late fall for spring germination.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date.
Days to Emerge: 7 – 20 days
Seed Depth: Barely cover
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 10" – 12"
Thinning: When 1" tall, thin to 1 every 10" – 12"
Your hardiness zone is
Growing Info
Harvesting: For longest vase life, harvest in the morning, choosing stems with 1/3 to 2/3 of the florets open. Change vase water frequently.
- Hilary P.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars4/15/26High Quality Seed
Nearly every seed germinated. Certainly more than I expected. There will be a LOT of hyssop in my yard this year!
Which best describes you as a gardener? ExpertBIBotanical Interests4/19/26Hey Hilary,
We're absolutely thrilled to hear about your amazing germination rate with the Anise Hyssop Seeds! It sounds like you hit the jackpot - there's nothing quite like when nearly every seed takes off like that! Your yard is going to be absolutely buzzing with activity this year because the pollinators are going to go crazy for all those beautiful purple flower spikes. Plus, you'll have an incredible harvest of that wonderful licorice-scented foliage! What a fantastic problem to have - too much gorgeous, fragrant hyssop! Keep on growing 🌻️
- Linda T.Verified BuyerRated 4 out of 5 stars4/15/26Great germination
Came up and is growing very well. Have not planted in the seedlings out yet but I have no doubt they'll continue to grow and thrive.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests4/15/26Hey Linda,
We're so happy to hear that your Anise Hyssop Seeds had great germination and are growing very well! Anise hyssop is such a wonderful herb that's going to bring amazing fragrance and lovely purple flower spikes to your garden, plus the pollinators absolutely love them! Your seedlings are going to transition beautifully when you're ready to plant them out. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Candy L.Verified BuyerRated 3 out of 5 stars3/27/26Poor germination
I start thousands of seeds every spring, this variety just did not germinate well. Maybe 20 percent germination rate. I will try again, I was looking forward to growing this plant in my garden.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests3/31/26Hey Candy,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Katherine H.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars3/18/26Perfect!
I winter sowed these in a milk jug in January and they were one of the earliest to germinate among all my seeds! Nearly every seed sprouted and by March they were busting at the seams to be let loose. They have a wonderful licorice scent even before blooming. Very pleased.
Which best describes you as a gardener? BeginnerBIBotanical Interests3/23/26Hey Katherine,
We're absolutely thrilled to hear your Anise Hyssop Seeds performed so well with your winter sowing method! It sounds like you really hit the jackpot with that germination rate - there's nothing quite like seeing nearly every seed sprout and take off like that. We love that you could already enjoy that wonderful licorice scent even before the blooms appeared! Your milk jug setup must have been perfect for getting these little beauties off to such a strong start. Thanks for sharing your fantastic experience with winter sowing these seeds! Keep on growing 🌻️
- VeneseRated 5 out of 5 stars2/6/265 Stars
I love BI seeds and products.