How to Grow Agastache Blue Fortune
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Agastache Blue Fortune
Agastache foeniculum 'Blue Fortune'
herbBlue Fortune is a stunning cultivar of anise hyssop featuring tall spikes of violet-blue flowers that bloom from mid-summer through fall. This aromatic herb reaches 2-3 feet tall and attracts pollinators while offering culinary and medicinal applications. The foliage has a pleasant anise-like fragrance when brushed or crushed.
When should you plant Agastache Blue Fortune in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Agastache Blue Fortune timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Agastache Blue Fortune
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Agastache Blue Fortune
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Agastache Blue Fortune dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9, cold-hardy perennial
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Get my Agastache Blue Fortune timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall plants with opposite oval leaves emerging, delicate and light green
Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light indoors. Thin to strongest seedlings if direct sown.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with square stems characteristic of mint family; aromatic when touched
Pinch back growing tips to encourage branching and bushier growth. Begin regular watering schedule. No fertilizer needed if soil has compost.
Flowering
8-12 weeksTall spikes of violet-blue flowers develop at stem tips; flowers arranged in dense whorls from bottom to top
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Stake taller varieties if needed in windy locations. Bees and hummingbirds visit frequently.
Full Bloom & Seed Set
4-8 weeksPlant at peak with multiple flower spikes fully open; flowers transition to seed heads if not deadheaded
Allow some flowers to remain for seed production and wildlife food. Reduce watering further; allow soil to dry between waterings.
Senescence & Dormancy
3-4 monthsFoliage yellows and dies back in late fall; seed heads persist attracting birds
Leave standing for winter interest and wildlife food. Cut back in early spring before new growth emerges. Mulch lightly in cold zones.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity with water spray; remove heavily infested leaves; use insecticidal soap if needed
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; apply sulfur spray or neem oil at first signs
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; beneficial insects often control naturally
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Hand-pick in early morning; use row covers; avoid Japanese beetle traps nearby
Uses
Herbal Tea & Beverages
CulinaryFresh or dried leaves make a delightful anise-flavored herbal tea with a subtle licorice note. Excellent for iced tea in summer or as a calming warm drink. [source]
Culinary Herb
CulinaryUse fresh leaves in salads, cocktails, and desserts for a unique licorice-mint flavor. The flowers are edible and make attractive garnishes. [source]
Traditional Herbal Medicine
MedicinalTraditionally used in Native American medicine and folk herbalism to support digestion and calm the nervous system. Often consumed as a tea. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeAn excellent nectar source for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. The tall flower spikes and extended bloom period provide crucial late-season food. [source]
Cut & Dried Arrangements
CraftBeautiful in fresh arrangements and dries well for dried flower bouquets and wreaths with long-lasting color and mild fragrance. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pinch or cut foliage throughout growing season for culinary use; harvest for drying when flowers are just opening for maximum flavor. Cut back stems to 6 inches from ground in early spring. Allow some flowering stems to remain for pollinators and seed production.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Agastache is native to North America and was traditionally used by Native Americans for food, medicine, and spiritual ceremonies.
- 🌱 The name 'agastache' comes from Greek words meaning 'many' and 'spike,' referring to the multiple flower spikes; 'Blue Fortune' is a European cultivar selection prized for its intense violet-blue color and superior vigor.
- 🌱 This herb is strongly self-sowing and will readily reseed in gardens, sometimes creating naturalized drifts in subsequent years—a trait that makes it excellent for cottage garden and meadow plantings.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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