Blue Spike
🌱 90d to harvest
Upright
Fragrant as a summer breeze, Blue Spike anise hyssop blooms with cool, violet-blue spires that carry a crisp anise-citrus perfume…
Crop Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | Mar 9th |
| Last Frost | Apr 20th |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | Jun 1st |
| Harvest Begins | Aug 30th |
| Harvest Ends | Oct 20th |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 90 |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Support Needed | None |
| Planting Depth | Normal |
| Germination Temp (°F) | 65 |
| Min Soil Temp (°F) | 55 |
| Min Night Temp (°F) | 50 |
| Harden Off (days) | 7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Blue Spike plants getting powdery white spots on the leaves, and what should I do?
Powdery mildew commonly appears on Blue Spike as a dusty white coating on leaf surfaces, often after warm days and cooler nights. Remove the worst affected leaves, improve airflow by spacing plants, and water at the soil line (not overhead). If it keeps spreading, spray with a labeled fungicide for powdery mildew and repeat according to the label every 5–10 days while conditions are favorable for the disease.
How often should I water Blue Spike during the main growing phase (after seedlings establish)?
After establishment, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for about 1 inch of water per week, split into 2–3 waterings if it’s hot or windy. Check by feel 2 inches down: if it’s dry there, water; if it stays damp, hold off. During active growth, consistent moisture helps prevent stunted growth and leaf stress, especially in full sun.
When are Blue Spike ready to harvest, and how do I know?
Harvest Blue Spike when the flower spikes are fully formed and show strong blue color with buds opening from the bottom upward. If you wait until almost all buds are open, the stems tend to age faster in the vase—aim for the “bottom buds open, top still tightening” stage. You can expect about 90 days from sowing for harvest readiness, depending on temperature and sunlight.