Agastache seeds

Grow Vibrant Humming bird Mint Right in Your Own Garden

If there's one plant that pulls double duty in a home garden better than almost anything else, it's Agastache. You might know it as hyssop or hummingbird mint — and both those nicknames tell you a lot about what you're getting into. Gorgeous flower spikes in purples, oranges, pinks, and blues that pollinators go absolutely nuts for. Plus leaves that smell incredible and actually taste good in the kitchen. Not many plants can say that.

Our Agastache seeds for sale at SeedOrganica are packed fresh for home gardeners and hobby growers. Whether you're looking to fill out a pollinator border, add some color to a container on the patio, or grow your own fresh herbs for teas and garnishes — this collection's got you covered. These are some of the hardest-working, prettiest plants you can start from seed. And they're way easier to grow than most people think.

Explore Our Agastache Seed Varieties

One thing people don't always realize about Agastache is just how much variety exists within this genus. It's not a one-look plant — not even close.

Our Blue Fortune Agastache is probably the most popular pick, and honestly it's easy to see why. Those dense, lavender-blue flower spikes look amazing in a border or cottage garden setup, and they bloom for weeks. Bees and butterflies can't stay away from them. If you've got a sunny spot that needs a reliable, long-blooming perennial — Blue Fortune is your answer.

Then there's the Korean Mint variety (Agastache rugosa), which leans more toward the culinary side of things. The leaves have this gorgeous anise-mint flavor that's fantastic in herbal teas, salads, and Asian-inspired dishes. The flowers are edible too — pale purple spikes that look pretty on a plate and in the garden. It's one of those plants where you feel like you're getting away with something because it's useful AND beautiful.

For something with a warmer color palette, our Sunset Hyssop types bring these gorgeous peachy-orange and coral tones that you just don't see in a lot of perennials. They tend to be a bit more compact, which makes them fantastic for containers and smaller garden beds. They're also a little more heat and drought tolerant than some of the other Agastache, so if you're gardening somewhere hot and dry — these are your guys.

We also carry varieties with deeper purple and rose-colored blooms that add a totally different mood. Mix a few different Agastache types together and you end up with this layered, multi-toned display that honestly looks like you hired a garden designer. But nope — just seeds and a little bit of dirt.

Gardening Insights: Growing Agastache from Seed

Here's the thing about Agastache — it's one of those plants that makes you look like a way better gardener than you might actually be. It's pretty forgiving once you get the basics right.

• Sunlight: Full sun, full sun, full sun. Agastache wants at least 6 hours of direct light daily, and honestly it's happiest with 8 or more. More sun means more flowers and more of that amazing aromatic oil in the leaves. You can get away with light afternoon shade in really hot zones, but don't push it.
• Soil: Well-draining soil is critical. This is probably the number one thing that'll make or break your Agastache. They hate soggy roots — heavy clay soil without amendments is a recipe for disappointment. Sandy or loamy soil works great. If your soil is on the heavy side, mix in some perlite, gravel, or coarse sand. In containers, a standard potting mix with extra perlite does the trick.
• Watering: Once established, Agastache is impressively drought-tolerant. While they're getting started you'll want to keep things consistently moist — not drenched, just evenly damp. After the first season, you can really back off on watering. Overwatering kills more Agastache than underwatering ever has.
• Starting from seed: Surface sow the seeds — they need light to germinate. Press them gently into moist soil but don't bury them. Keep things warm (around 65–75°F) and expect sprouts in roughly 1 to 4 weeks. Starting indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost gives you a nice head start, but direct sowing after frost has passed works too.
• Hardiness: Most Agastache varieties are perennial in USDA zones 5–10, though it depends on the specific type. Some of the more tender varieties (like Sunset Hyssop) prefer zones 6 and up. In colder areas, a good layer of mulch in fall helps protect the roots through winter.

Pro tip: don't cut your Agastache back in fall. Leave the spent flower stalks standing through winter — they provide structure in the garden, shelter for beneficial insects, and you can clean things up in early spring when new growth starts appearing at the base. Looks cool in frost too, if you're into that sort of thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow Agastache in pots and containers?

For sure — Agastache does surprisingly well in containers. The key is using a pot with good drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix. Something in the 10- to 14-inch diameter range is usually good for one plant, though the more compact varieties can get away with slightly smaller pots. Container-grown Agastache on a sunny patio or balcony is basically a pollinator magnet — expect to see hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies visiting constantly. Just be mindful that pots dry out faster than garden beds, so check the soil regularly during hot stretches.

When should I plant Agastache seeds?

You've got two solid options. First, start seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before your last expected frost date. This gives the seedlings time to get established before transplanting outside once the weather warms up. Second, you can direct sow outdoors after the last frost when soil temps are consistently around 60°F or above. Spring planting is the most common approach, but some growers in mild climates (zones 8+) also have luck with fall sowing. If you're looking for Agastache seeds for planting this spring, earlier is better so you can enjoy blooms by midsummer.

Is Agastache edible?

Yes! This is one of the best parts about growing Agastache — it's not just ornamental. The leaves of most varieties have a wonderful anise-mint flavor that's perfect for herbal teas, cocktail garnishes, fruit salads, and even baked goods. Korean Mint Agastache is especially popular in the kitchen. The flower spikes are edible too — they make a beautiful, slightly sweet garnish. Just snip what you need and toss it in. It's one of those ingredients that makes home cooking feel a little fancy without any extra effort.

Does Agastache attract pollinators?

Oh, like crazy. Agastache is one of the absolute best plants you can grow for pollinators. Hummingbirds are obsessed with it — that's literally why some varieties are called "hummingbird mint." Bees love it. Butterflies love it. If you're trying to build a pollinator-friendly garden, Agastache should honestly be near the top of your list. The long bloom period means there's a food source available for weeks, sometimes months, which is a huge deal for local pollinator populations. Plant a few and just watch what shows up.

Where can I buy Agastache seeds online?

You're already in the right place. SeedOrganica carries a curated selection of Agastache seeds — all quality-tested, packed fresh, and shipped across the USA. We sell specifically to home gardeners, so you're getting the right seed quantity for a backyard or container setup, not some industrial-sized bag. If you've been searching for where to buy Agastache seeds from a shop that actually focuses on the hobbyist grower — this is it. Grab a variety or two and see what happens. We think you're gonna love these plants.