Anise Hyssop

Hyssop

Zone 3b Save Garden

🌱 60d to harvest Upright

Fragrant as a warm evening breeze, Anise Hyssop unfurls aromatic foliage with a sweet, licorice-anise perfume and a bright, herba…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 14th
Last Frost	May 19th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 2nd
Harvest Begins	Aug 1st
Harvest Ends	Sep 21st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

Recommended Companions

Queen Of Sheba Basil Basil

Kokusai Chives

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent and treat powdery mildew on anise hyssop (Agastache) in humid summers?

Powdery mildew shows up as a gray-white coating on anise hyssop leaves, often after periods of humid weather. Improve airflow by spacing plants about 18–24 in. apart and remove badly infected leaves; water at the base so foliage stays dry. If it keeps spreading, spray a labeled sulfur fungicide or potassium bicarbonate when new growth appears and repeat per label timing.

How often should I water anise hyssop during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture should I aim for?

Once established, anise hyssop should be watered deeply but infrequently to keep the soil evenly moist yet not soggy—aim for the top 1–2 in. to dry between waterings. During active growth and early bloom (roughly weeks 3–8), water about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, and always avoid standing water around the crown. In containers, check daily in hot weather because they dry out faster.

When is anise hyssop ready to harvest for best flavor and bloom use?

Harvest when the plant reaches about 60 days from sowing and the flower spikes are fully formed with the first blossoms just opening at the bottom of the spike. For the strongest anise-like flavor, cut in the morning after dew dries, and harvest frequently by snipping the top portion of the spike as blooms appear. If you’re harvesting leaves, pick healthy upper leaves before flowering becomes heavy to avoid a slightly harsher taste.

Fragrant as a warm evening breeze, Anise Hyssop unfurls aromatic foliage with a sweet, licorice-anise perfume and a bright, herbal lift. Expect slender, upright stems topped by vivid spikes of deep blue-violet blossoms, with leaves that feel finely textured and softly serrated to the eye. Grow it for fresh bouquets and fragrant garden charm—its flowers and foliage lend themselves beautifully to herbal infusions, potpourri, and flavorful seasoning blends.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

Sow lightly (or barely cover), keep evenly moist, and plant out only once nights are reliably warm for fastest establishment and strong licorice-flower flavor.