How to Germinate Purple Anise Hyssop Seed

Purple anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a perennial species of wild mint native to the moist fields and woodlands of northern North America. The common name refers both to the purple color of the plant's showy flowers and the scent of its foliage, which emits a subtly sweet, licorice-like odor when disturbed. Although the seeds of purple anise hyssop are slightly slow to germinate, they sprout reliably and will mature during their first summer. However, the young seedlings are vulnerable to a fungal infection called damping-off, and must be kept under warm, somewhat dry conditions to survive.

Medium-grit sand
Seedling compost
Seedling tray
Spray bottle
Propagation mat
3-inch plastic pots
Potting soil

Instructions

- 1
  Start purple anise hyssop seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last frost in spring.
- 2
  Combine equal measures medium-grit sand and seedling compost inside a bucket or large bowl. Stir the two components while drizzling water into the bucket or bowl. Keep stirring until the mix has a uniform appearance and is moderately moist throughout.
- 3
  Pack the growing mixture into a 2-inch-deep seedling tray. Leave a 1/4-inch-tall gap between the soil mixture and the lip of the seedling tray. Firm the mixture well.
- 4
  Sow the purple anise hyssop seeds across the surface of the growing mixture. Space the seeds 1 inch apart. Barely cover the seeds with a scant, 1/16-inch-thick layer of medium-grit sand.
- 5
  Mist the purple anise hyssop seeds with a spray bottle until the top 1/4 inch of the growing mixture feels moist. Maintain moisture at a depth of 1/4 inch as the seeds germinate.
- 6
  Place the seedling tray in a warm, very bright location where temperatures stay between 65 and 70 degrees F at all times such as near a large window. Apply bottom heat with a propagation mat if a naturally warm place is unavailable.
- 7
  Watch for germination starting in three weeks. Reduce watering once the seedlings emerge. Water with the spray bottle only when the surface of the soil feels dry when pressed. Avoid overwatering the young seedlings since soggy soil opens them up to fungal infections such as damping-off.
- 8
  Scoop out and transplant the purple anise hyssop seedlings once they produce a set of true leaves. Move them into individual 3-inch plastic pots filled with potting soil. Keep them in a warm, sunny spot until it is time to plant them out.
- 9
  Transplant the potted purple anise hyssop plants into a sunny bed with loamy soil once outdoor temperatures warm to 70 F.

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