Anise hyssop
Agastache foeniculum
Also known asBlue giant hyssop · Fragrant giant hyssop · Lavender giant hyssop · Licorice mint
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 4–9 (winter low around -34°C)
- Frost
- frost hardy
- Season
- cool (spring/fall)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0.8 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1.4 |
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
A productive hydroponic herb, prized for tea and as an edible flower. Hold EC around 1.0-1.6 mS/cm and pH near 6.0-6.5. It likes moderate temperatures, roughly 18–28°C, and tolerates cool conditions better than most herbs. Give moderate to high light, on the order of 15-25 mol/m2/day. Plants are vigorous in deep water culture, drip or NFT. Cut stem tips regularly to keep them bushy; the lavender flower spikes are edible and make a good garnish. For tea, dry leaves gently, around 35–40°C, to hold the volatile oils. Growth is quick, with harvestable size in six to eight weeks from transplant. As a perennial it can run two to three years in a system, though output falls off after the second year, so divide and replant when the root mass outgrows the space. Pests are rarely a problem. It pairs well with basil, mint and lemon balm in a greenhouse tea section. Outdoors it self-seeds freely and can spread, but that is not an issue in a soilless setup.