Grow Great Anise Hyssop in Your Home Garden

Native Americans used anise hyssop in teas and other recipes, as well. Their name for it was "Elk-Mint". This herb is used today in many recipes. It is also grown in herb gardens and can be used as an ornamental border plant. The flowers attract bees and butterflies. Here are some tips to help you grow anise hyssop in your home garden.

Anise hyssop has a lovely purple spine of flowers from midsummer to early autumn. It can be used in perennial borders as well as in the herb garden. It will grow up to 3 feet tall and the flowers will get up to 6 inches in length. If you want to attract bees and butterflies, this is the herb to plant. The heart shaped leaves have a slight licorice scent and flavor to them. This herb will grow in temperature zones 4 to 9.

Anise hyssop is a native to North America. It will grow in light shade, but prefers full sun. It is found naturally beside lakes and streams. The soil is usually moist and well drained. Young plants of this herb are usually available or you can start seeds indoors in the late winter. These should be transplanted into your garden after the last threat of frost in the spring. If you prefer, you can sow the seeds in the ground about a week before the last frost is expected in your area. This herb is a perennial, but the plants will usually bloom the first year. They are slow to emerge in the spring time, so be sure you have their location well marked. You do not want to accidentally dig them up before they sprout. To keep these plants growing well, you will need to divide them every year or two in the spring. They are short lived and this will help keep them growing well.

The flowers of the plant are attractive and delicious in salads. They also make a nice addition to potpourri. Cut them just as the are starting to open and they will dry better. Use the leaves in salads as well. Or you can use them cooked with chicken, fish, pork or rice.

If you would like to use the leaves through the growing season, snip them off at the bottom. They can be used in teas by themselves or mixed with mints and lemon balm. Put the mixture into iced tea in the summer time for a wonderful treat. If you plan to dry the leaves, cut the plants off about 6 inches from the ground. You can strip the leaves to dry or hang the entire plant in bunches in a dark, dry place.

It is always nice to be able to grow fresh ingredients for your recipes. Anise hyssop is a wonderful addition to any herb garden. Hopefully, these tips will help you grow all the anise hyssop you and your family can enjoy.

SOURCE

Editors of Rodale Organic Gardening Magazine and Books. "Rodale Organic Gardening Basics: Herbs Volume 5". 2001. Pennsylvania, USA.