Flowers

How to Plant Anise Hyssop: Timing, Spacing, Care & Bloom

Quick answer

Sow about four weeks before last frost (UVM). Seeds need light; cold stratification helps (WI).

Anise hyssop at a glance

PlantStart indoors: 4 wk before last frost
SunFull sun to light shade typical for Agastache; well-drained soil.
SpacingSurface sow / light press — do not bury deeply (UVM/WI).
Days to bloomOften blooms first year (WI)
-5-4-3-2-1LF+1+2+3
■ Start indoors   ■ Plant out   ■ Harvest
Weeks relative to last frost (LF). Colored weeks show when our ZIP planner schedules each step.
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Updated

Mint family: Agastache foeniculum — anise-scented foliage and flowers; often blooms the first year from seed (WI).

Anise hyssop
Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum). Photo: Jasper Shide, Wikimedia Commons, CC0 (resized).

Sourced from university extension guides. For dates where you live, use the ZIP planting planner.

Planting timing

UVM Growing Herbs for Tea: “Sow the seeds about four weeks before the last frost, lightly pressing them into the soil.” Seeds need cold stratification and light. (UVM herbs for tea) Wisconsin: easily started from seed; barely cover; germinate in 1–4 weeks. (Wisconsin anise hyssop)

Depth and spacing

Surface sow / light press — do not bury deeply (UVM/WI). Transplant self-sown seedlings when small (WI).

Sun, soil and water

Full sun to light shade typical for Agastache; well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established (WI framing).

Care and bloom

Often blooms first year. Divide spring or fall (WI). Deadhead or leave seed for volunteers.

Pests and diseases

Few serious pests on WI framing; drainage first.

Related: ZIP planner · planting calendars

Frequently asked questions

When do I sow?

About 4 weeks before last frost (UVM).

Does it bloom first year?

Often yes from seed (WI).

Cover the seed?

Lightly press — seeds need light (UVM/WI).

Sources