At a Glance
- Agastache, also known as “hummingbird mint,” is a captivating plant that brings a burst of vibrant color and alluring fragrance to any garden.
- However, you can give your plants a boost by applying a balanced fertilizer a few times during the growing season.
- Agastache is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways.
Agastache, also known as “hummingbird mint,” is a captivating plant that brings a burst of vibrant color and alluring fragrance to any garden. Its aromatic leaves and showy flower spikes attract pollinators, making it a delightful addition to your landscape. But how do you cultivate this beautiful plant? This guide will walk you through the steps of growing agastache, from selecting the right variety to harvesting its fragrant leaves.
Choosing the Right Agastache Variety
The first step in growing agastache is selecting the right variety for your garden. Agastache comes in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include:
- Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’: This variety is known for its stunning blue flowers and strong anise-like fragrance.
- Agastache ‘Sunset’: This variety boasts beautiful orange-red flowers and a spicy, licorice-like scent.
- Agastache ‘Black Adder’: This variety features deep purple flowers and a strong anise flavor.
- Agastache ‘Apricot Sunrise’: This variety produces apricot-colored blooms with a sweet, citrusy aroma.
Consider your garden’s climate, soil type, and personal preferences when choosing a variety. Research each variety’s specific needs and make sure it is suitable for your growing conditions.
Preparing Your Planting Site
Agastache thrives in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If your soil is heavy or compacted, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and aeration.
Starting Agastache from Seeds
Agastache can be started from seed either directly in the garden or indoors. If starting seeds indoors, sow them 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Use seed starting trays or pots filled with a seed starting mix. Gently press the seeds into the soil, cover them lightly with soil, and mist them with water. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and place the trays in a warm, sunny location.
Once seedlings have emerged and developed a few true leaves, transplant them into individual pots. Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a few hours each day over a week before transplanting them outdoors.
Planting Agastache Outdoors
When the weather has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed, you can transplant your agastache seedlings outdoors. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and gently loosen the roots. Place the seedling in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, firm it gently around the plant, and water thoroughly.
Caring for Your Agastache Plants
Agastache is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it does require some basic care to thrive. Here are some tips for keeping your agastache plants healthy and happy:
- Watering: Agastache prefers consistent moisture, especially during the first year of growth. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilizing: Agastache is a light feeder and typically doesn’t require much fertilization. However, you can give your plants a boost by applying a balanced fertilizer a few times during the growing season.
- Deadheading: Deadheading, or removing spent flower heads, encourages new blooms and keeps your plants looking their best.
- Pruning: Agastache can become leggy over time. You can prune your plants back in late winter or early spring to encourage bushier growth.
Harvesting Agastache Leaves and Flowers
Agastache leaves and flowers are both edible and have a variety of culinary uses. To harvest leaves, simply snip them off the plant as needed. To harvest flowers, cut the flower spikes just below the lowest flower.
Enjoying the Beauty and Fragrant Benefits of Agastache
Agastache is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways. Its fragrant leaves can be used to flavor teas, sauces, and desserts. The flowers are also edible and can be used as a garnish or added to salads.
Agastache is a beautiful and fragrant addition to any garden. Its vibrant blooms attract pollinators, its aromatic leaves and flowers add flavor to culinary creations, and its low-maintenance nature makes it a joy to grow.
Reaching the Peak: Agastache’s Thriving Stage
As your agastache plants establish themselves, they’ll enter a phase of vigorous growth and abundant blooming. This is where your efforts in choosing the right variety, preparing the planting site, and providing consistent care really pay off.
During this stage, you’ll witness the remarkable beauty of agastache in full bloom. Its colorful flower spikes will attract hummingbirds and butterflies, adding a vibrant touch to your garden. The leaves will continue to release their captivating fragrance, creating a sensory delight.
The Art of Agastache Propagation
Once you’ve experienced the beauty and fragrance of agastache, you might want to share it with others or expand its presence in your own garden. Propagating agastache is a rewarding process that allows you to create new plants from existing ones.
There are two common methods of agastache propagation:
- Division: This method is best done in early spring or late fall. Carefully dig up a mature agastache plant and divide the root ball into several sections, each with healthy roots and stems. Replant the divisions in new locations, ensuring proper spacing and watering.
- Cuttings: This method involves taking stem cuttings from healthy agastache plants. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and taken from the current year’s growth. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a moist, well-draining potting mix and keep them in a warm, humid environment.
The End of the Season: Preparing Agastache for Winter
As the growing season comes to an end, agastache plants will begin to slow down their growth and prepare for dormancy. In regions with cold winters, the above-ground parts of agastache plants may die back. However, the roots will remain alive and dormant, ready to sprout again in the spring.
To prepare agastache for winter, cut back the stems to about 4-6 inches above ground level. This will help prevent disease and encourage new growth in the spring. In regions with mild winters, agastache may remain evergreen and continue to grow throughout the year.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: How long does it take for agastache to bloom?
A: Agastache typically blooms in its first year of growth, but some varieties may take a little longer to reach maturity.
Q: Is agastache deer resistant?
A: Agastache is generally deer-resistant, but deer may nibble on it occasionally.
Q: Can I grow agastache in a container?
A: Yes, agastache can be grown successfully in containers. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter and make sure it has drainage holes.
Q: How do I overwinter agastache?
A: In regions with cold winters, agastache can be overwintered by mulching the base of the plant with a thick layer of organic matter.
Q: What are some companion plants for agastache?
A: Agastache pairs well with other drought-tolerant plants, such as lavender, salvia, and yarrow. It also attracts pollinators, so planting it near other pollinator-friendly plants can create a thriving ecosystem in your garden.
