Growing Anise Hyssop at Sacred Blossom Farm
Growing Anise Hyssop:
A Guide for Herbalists, Gardeners and Farmers
(Agastache foeniculum)
Anise Hyssop is probably my very favorite plant to grow. I think it is the best plant for every herb garden. Why?
A native prairie plant
It attracts butterflies, bees and other pollinators
It quickly grows 3+ feet tall and stays above most weeds
It is drought tolerant, perennial and very easy to grow
Easy to start from seed - it even self sows
It smells and tastes great
Anise Hyssop’s showy flowers are in bloom almost all summer long!
Only a small section of my farm is visible between the road and my house - this is where I plant my Anise Hyssop - it is the easiest, prettiest herb to grow. Seeing it everyday makes me happy!
Benefits of Anise Hyssop
1. Culinary Uses
The leaves and flowers have a sweet, anise flavor, perfect for herbal teas. Creative cooks can add them to salads, desserts and more
Fresh leaves can be added to summer beverages for a refreshing twist, while dried leaves are popular in herbal teas.
The flowers are gorgeous and can be used as edible garnishes for baked goods, cocktails, salads or meat dishes. Fresh flowers are sturdy but the dried flowers break down easily.
2. Medicinal Properties
Traditionally used for digestive and respiratory issues.
Known for its calming and relaxing properties when brewed as tea.
High in antioxidants, contributing to overall wellness.
Disclaimer: While Anise Hyssop has been used in traditional medicine, consult a healthcare professional before using it for medicinal purposes.
3. Garden Benefits
An excellent companion plant for vegetable gardens, as it attracts beneficial insects. It grows vertically so it can fit in nicely without getting in the way.
Deters harmful pests with its strong aroma.
Its long-lasting blooms provide color and texture throughout the growing season.
Tony in the Anise Hyssop field near the house.
How to Grow Anise Hyssop
1. Choosing the Right Location
Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Soil: Anise Hyssop does great in our sandy soil even without supplemental irrigation. I think it will do well in just about any garden soil that is not constantly wet.
Perennial in USDA zones 4–9. It has always survived our Wisconsin winters well except when harvested aggressively late in the season. This plant is so wonderful and easy - I wouldn’t hesitate to grow it as an annual. We try to get 3 years out of each planting but sometimes weed pressure can cut this down to two.
2. Planting Anise Hyssop
From Seed: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost, or sow directly in the garden after frost danger has passed. Germination typically occurs within 10–14 days. The seed is widely available - Johnny’s is a good source for packets and Richters has the best price on large quantities. A prolific producer - we save our own seed at Sacred Blossom Farm.
Spacing: We space plants 11 inches between plants and 30 inches between rows. In our first year planting we sneak in a middle row of fast growing California Poppy or beets which is harvested before the first Anise Hyssop harvest.
Transplanting: Harden off well. When transplanting seedlings, ensure they are planted at the same depth as their nursery containers.
3. Watering and Feeding
Watering: Once transplants are established, I like to let them dry out to encourage deep root growth of young plants. While drought-tolerant, Anise Hyssop thrives with regular watering in our sandy soil. Water deeply but allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Feeding: Anise Hyssop is not a heavy feeder but will benefit from a balanced, organic fertilizer. We generally apply minerals and turkey manure to the fields in early winter each year.
We error on the side of dry and underfertilized - wet, well fed plants will be bigger and more susceptible to lodging and pests.
4. Pest and Disease Management
Easy! Some years Japanese beetles or aphids swarming a plant or two per 1000. No problem! Powdery mildew and root rot could be a problem in consistently damp conditions.
Harvesting and Storing Anise Hyssop
Harvesting: Maturing uniformly, we cut our whole field at once when petals are just starting to fall from the plants. Essential oils seem to vary considerably from day to day - not always for reasons I understand. For optimal quality, Anise Hyssop (and Lemon Balm) need to be checked closely for aromatic potency before harvesting.
A big, tall, erect plant, Anise Hyssop is extremely efficient for hand harvesting - sometimes we use our machine, sometimes we harvest by hand.
A prolific grower, we typically get two harvests our of first year plants and 3 harvests out of our second and third year plants.
Plants can be cut at any height but we like to harvest relatively high - about 2/3rds up, just below the bottom flowers. Removing all the flowers is important in order for the plant to regrow properly for quality subsequent harvests. We could increase yields by cutting lower but we adore the higher ratio of flowers to leaves.
Drying Anise Hyssop: A relatively low water content plant to begin with, this plant drys very easily and yields well. Make sure to keep temperatures low - its flavor is easily lost if heated. Home gardners can dry leaves and flowers on racks or by hanging them upside-down in a warm, dark, dry, well-ventilated space.
Processing: Well dried branches and flowers are very fragile. Easily garbled over 1/2 inch screens, we handle dried whole Anise Hyssop plants carefully to prevent stems from breaking. If handled right, it is very easy to keep stems out of the finished dry herb.
Storage: Fades easily. Once dry, store in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. Properly stored, dried Anise Hyssop retains its flavor and aroma for two years.
Creative Uses for Anise Hyssop
Herbal Teas: Combine dried Anise Hyssop leaves with chamomile or lemon balm for a soothing tea blend. We use Anise Hyssop in our Turtle, Dream, Immunity, and Breathe teas for its medicinal properties, pretty flowers and lovely sweet flavor.
Flavored Syrups: Infuse simple syrups with fresh leaves to sweeten cocktails, lemonade, or iced teas. Highly recommended!
Crafts: Dried Anise Hyssop stems and flowers make beautiful additions to wreaths and dried floral arrangements. Be careful, whole flowers are very fragile. Broken down flowers are beautiful too.