![]() ![]() Strip the bottom leaves to reveal a bare stem that is two to three inches long. In early summer, after the new, soft growth of spring has begun to firm up and before budding, use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut the tip of a growing stem to a length of about six inches. This method is also a good way to clone hybrids. Stem CuttingsĪnother way to begin is with semi-soft stem cuttings. Please see our guide to dividing perennials for full instructions. You’ll need a clean, sharp shovel and some elbow grease. In addition, some are infertile and produce no seeds at all. This is an excellent way to replicate hybrid varieties, as the seeds from hybrids do not produce the exact traits of the parent plants. In early spring when the first signs of new growth appear, or in late fall as winter dormancy begins, you can divide existing clumps to make new ones. Or, direct sow cold-stratified seeds outdoors after the last average frost date has passed, for flowers in the second year. Transplant seedlings to the garden when they have at least two sets of true leaves and all danger of frost has passed. To get a jump-start on the growing season, start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last average frost date in your area. To do this, store seeds on top of a layer of moist potting medium or sand, and place in the fridge for about a month before sowing. Expect blooms in the first year after sowing.Īlternatively, you can manually replicate the cold stratification process. You can check your seed packet to determine the mature dimensions. When the seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves and are fairly sturdy, thin them to a distance of one and a half to three feet apart, depending upon the mature width of the variety you have sown. Keep the soil moist over the winter months, watering just before it completely dries out. Moisten the soil and sprinkle on them on top about three inches apart, then gently press them down. The best way to start seeds is to sow them directly into the garden in early fall, so they can experience natural cold stratification during the winter months. This process is called cold stratification. foeniculum seeds germinate well after exposure to cold and moist conditions. There are three ways to propagate anise hyssop. The blossoms are often eaten as a salad garnish, and fresh or dried leaves may be brewed into a soothing tea. foeniculum for centuries in preparations believed to have an array of beneficial properties. Herbalists, including Native Americans, have used the edible flowers, leaves, and stems of A. Hummingbirds love to visit these flowers as well, and the plants are sometimes also referred to as hummingbird mint. They are tiny, lipped, and tubular.Įach is filled with rich nectar, and is the perfect length for insects with a long proboscis, such as mining bees, to take a sip. Rising above the paired leaves are spikes of light blue, lavender, or purple unscented blossoms. In the spring, the foliage may be tinged with purple. The leaves have a refreshingly sweet smell and taste, like a combination of anise, licorice, and mint.Īrranged in opposing fashion, the leaves are medium green, and shaped like spears with scalloped edges. Mature heights are between two and four feet, with a spread of one and a half to three feet.Īlso called fragrant, lavender, or blue giant hyssop, this is an aromatic herb. It grows wild in northern regions of North America, sprawling across open prairie land and creating vast stretches of lavender blossoms from June to September.Įrect, square stems rise from thick rhizomes, and plants have a bushy, clumping growth habit. The name “anise hyssop” is somewhat confusing, as it is neither anise seed ( Pimpinella anisum) or star anise ( Illicium verum), nor hyssop ( Hyssopus officinalis). Let’s learn all about it! Cultivation and History Whether you plan to enjoy it as an ornamental, or harvest the leaves and flowers for their flavor and restorative properties, this deer- and rabbit-resistant herb brings much to the home garden. foeniculum has a lifespan of about three years, it self-sows readily and has a vigorous root system, enabling it to naturalize in open spaces. Don’t be deterred by the “short-lived” description. ![]()
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