Photo: "Agastache foeniculum" by Magnus Manske · CC BY-SA 3.0

Anise hyssop · Edible-perennial-herb

Anise hyssop leaves and flowers

Perennial · Lamiaceae

Anise hyssop is a perennial edible flower and herb with a sweet anise-licorice aroma in both leaves and blooms. It is highly attractive to pollinators, easy to grow from seed, and useful in teas, garnish, and herb blends. It suits gardeners who want a long-blooming perennial that feeds bees and also contributes flavor to the kitchen.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

75–90 days

Sun

6+ hours

full sun to light afternoon shade

Spacing

6–12 "

Seed Start

0 weeks

before transplant

Container

Yes

2+ gallon pot

Height

0.5–3 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 5–14 days

Optimal Temp 72°F

Seed Depth 0.25"

Watering

Weekly Water 0.75–1.25 "

Needs Moderate

Method Base watering

Soil

pH Range 6–7

Soil Type Average to moderately fertile, well-drained soil; most of these crops do not need rich feeding.

Resilience

Heat: Moderate Cold: Moderate Drought: Moderate

Common Problems

damping-off

Cause: Cold, wet seedbeds or overly dense sowing can kill seedlings.

Prevention: Use clean seed, shallow sowing, and thin dense stands.

powdery-mildew

Cause: Late-season humidity can coat foliage and blooms.

Prevention: Improve airflow and avoid crowding.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Light feeder

Harvest

Harvest blooms when fully open, dry, and free of spray residue.

Expected Yield 0.25–1 lbs/plant

Storage 5 days — Refrigerate gently in a lined container and use quickly.

Sources

seed_catalog Truelove Seeds seed_catalog Plant Good Seed university University of Minnesota Extension

Anise hyssop leaves and flowers Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Anise hyssop leaves and flowers vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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