Aguastache

When to Start

Late Winter: For saved seeds. Cold-stratify for 2 months. The whole process from starting from seed to transplanting will take about 4 months. (Start in January for Jefferson, GA)

Spring: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. (Mid-Feb – March for Jefferson, GA)

Direct sow: Around the last frost for your area. (April 15 for Jefferson, GA)

How to Grow

Six to eight weeks before the last frost in your area, start Agastache indoors. However, if you are using saved seeds, they will germinate better if they have been cold-stratified for 2 months first. 

Using pre-moistened seed starting mix, sow Agastache seeds 1/4 inch deep into nursery pots or cells. Then place under grow lights. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. 

To cold-stratify saved seeds, after sowing seeds following the directions above, place the pots or cells on a piece of cardboard to give stability and seal them in a plastic bag. Then place the bag in the refrigerator for 2 months. Check every so often to make sure nothing is molded. After the two months place the cells or pots under grow lights for 6-8 weeks. 

Pot up if needed once the Agastache has at least 2 true leaves and is as tall as the pot is deep. Transplant after hardening off and all danger of frost has passed. 

Space or thin plants to 16 inches apart. 

Care

Agastache likes full sun beds that are rich and well-draining but it is tolerant of other soils. The exception is soils that have standing water, especially in the winter. Winter wet feet will often kill these plants. Plant Agastache in a container if your soil doesn’t drain well or mix in organic matter to create better drainage. 

It likes a soil pH of slightly acidic to more alkaline 6.0-8.0. If your soil is acidic you can try amending the soil or grow in a container. As Agastache does self-sow, you may need to thin plants every year to keep the plants healthy. Overcrowding can lead to fungal disease and general poor health. 

While a perennial in zones 5-9, Agastache benefits from heavy mulching during the winter months. Remove excess mulch in spring. 

Pest Management

Agastache can struggle with powdery mildew. Proper spacing will allow for good air circulation, which will, in turn, help prevent the fungus. Bottom watering will also help with fungus prevention and it is also important not to overwater. 

Slugs can be an issue, especially with young seedlings. An eggshell barrier will help control them. Place a ring of crushed eggshells around the base of the seedling, making sure there are no gaps. When the slugs crawl over the shells they will be cut and will dry out and die. 

• Pollinator friendly
• Edible leaves
• Deer resistant
• Rabbit resistant 

Sources:

Rareseeds.com