Anise Hyssop Seeds
Best aromatic plants for attracting garden pollinators.
A member of the mint family, this wildflower brings a delightfully rich scent to any herb garden. The tall, lavender flower spikes attract multitudes of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. It is a favorite with beekeepers, and the anise honey from this plant is excellent. Herbalists use this plant for culinary purposes, as the leaves make an excellent tea and the flowers are also edible. Native to the north central United States, anise hyssop is a traditional medicinal plant of the Native Americans; its leaves have antibacterial benefits that have been used treat colds, coughs, or poor digestion. Because of the subtle anise flavor it gives honey, it became popular with colonists, who planted anise hyssop seeds near bee hives.
$14.49
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 6505
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
+36%
Above average
Common Names
Licorice Mint, Blue Giant Hyssop
/ Licorice Mint, Blue Giant Hyssop
Who it's for
- Gardeners aiming to support local ecosystems and attract beneficial insects
- Home cooks and herbalists seeking distinctive flavors for their kitchen creations
- Busy gardeners desiring beautiful, productive plants without extensive upkeep
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners expecting quick results or those new to seed starting
- Gardeners with limited space or those preferring highly controlled environments
- Individuals with predominantly shady gardens or limited sunny planting areas
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Attraction
A magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the growing season.
Germination Complexity
Requires a four-week cold stratification period for successful seedling emergence.
Culinary Versatility
Edible leaves and flowers offer a unique, subtle anise flavor profile.
Regional Adaptability
Highly resilient across diverse USDA zones from the Midwest to California.
Garden Maintenance
Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant once established in your landscape.
Seed Density
High seed count per ounce ensures excellent coverage for wildflower patches.
Key Specs
Common Names
Licorice Mint, Blue Giant Hyssop
Latin Name
Agastache foeniculum
Species Origin
US Native Wildflower
Type
Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle
Perennial
USDA Zones
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
US Regions
California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce
77,500
Features
- Attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Edible flowers and leaves for culinary and medicinal use
- Drought tolerant once established
- Aromatic foliage with a subtle anise flavor
- Deer resistant
- Perennial life cycle for long-term garden presence
- Native to the North Central United States
- Excellent for beekeepers, producing flavorful honey
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of these anise hyssop seeds, noting high germination rates and robust plant growth. Many gardeners appreciate the ease with which these seeds establish healthy, vibrant plants that attract beneficial pollinators. The generous quantity provided offers excellent value, making it a favorite for those looking to cultivate a beautiful and fragrant garden. Enthusiasts frequently highlight the reliability of the seeds, leading to successful harvests year after year. This product is celebrated for delivering on its promise of a thriving, aromatic addition to any outdoor space.
Know before you buy
Yes, these seeds require a cold/wet stratification period of four weeks to break dormancy and ensure successful germination. You can achieve this by placing the seeds in a moist medium in the refrigerator before sowing.
Yes, Anise Hyssop is considered deer resistant. Its aromatic foliage, which carries a distinct anise scent, is generally unappealing to deer, making it a reliable choice for gardens in areas with high deer pressure.
No, this plant is not recommended for container gardening. It is a perennial wildflower that thrives best when planted directly in the ground where it can establish its root system.
Anise Hyssop offers a long bloom window, typically flowering from early summer through early fall. This extended season makes it an excellent choice for supporting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds for several months.
Yes, both the leaves and flowers are edible. The leaves are frequently used to make a flavorful herbal tea, and the entire plant is prized for its subtle anise or licorice-like flavor.
Anise Hyssop is a hardy perennial suitable for USDA zones 2 through 8. As long as your garden falls within these zones, the plant is designed to return year after year.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.