How to Grow Agastache Tutti Frutti
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Agastache Tutti Frutti
Agastache × hybrid 'Tutti Frutti'
herbAgastache Tutti Frutti is a colorful hybrid hummingbird mint with fragrant, multicolored flowers that blend purple, pink, and orange hues. This compact perennial attracts pollinators abundantly and offers edible flowers with a pleasant fruity aroma and flavor. It combines ornamental beauty with culinary and medicinal applications.
When should you plant Agastache Tutti Frutti in your zone?
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Example Agastache Tutti Frutti timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Agastache Tutti Frutti
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 Tutti Frutti
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Agastache Tutti Frutti dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-10; best performance in zones 6-9
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Get my Agastache Tutti Frutti timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with soft, oval cotyledons emerge within 10-14 days. First true leaves are opposite and slightly fuzzy with minty aroma.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light and good air circulation to prevent damping off. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once established.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with lance-shaped, aromatic leaves. Stems become woody at base. Growth is compact and mounded.
Pinch growing tips early to encourage branching and fuller shape. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Begin fertilizing with balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Flowering
6-8 weeks (first bloom); continuous with deadheadingTall flower spikes emerge from branch tips with densely-packed tubular flowers in vibrant multicolored hues (purple, pink, orange). Flowers are highly fragrant and attract hummingbirds and bees.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend blooming season. Maintain consistent moisture without overwatering. Apply light fertilizer monthly to sustain flowering.
Mid-Season Growth
4-6 weeksPlant continues producing new flower spikes while earlier flowers mature into seed heads. Overall plant becomes fuller and more robust.
Continue deadheading for continuous blooms or allow some flowers to set seed for late-season interest. Cut back by one-third if plant becomes leggy.
Mature & Perennial Establishment
Ongoing in subsequent yearsPlant reaches full size; if grown as perennial in zones 5-9, woody base becomes more pronounced. Seed heads attract birds and provide winter structure.
In fall, cut back to 3-4 inches above ground in cold climates for winter hardiness. In mild climates, light pruning maintains shape. Divide every 2-3 years if desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil if severe. Improve air circulation around plants.
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid wetting foliage. Apply sulfur dust or baking soda solution if needed. Remove affected leaves.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Uses
Edible flowers and fruity seasoning
CulinaryThe flowers have a pleasant fruity, minty flavor and can be used fresh in salads, desserts, beverages, and teas. The leaves impart an agastache herb flavor to cocktails, lemonades, and culinary preparations. [source]
Traditional herbal tea and respiratory support
MedicinalAgastache species have been used in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine to support respiratory and digestive health. Fresh or dried leaves make a aromatic, flavorful tea. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeFlowers are irresistible to hummingbirds, honeybees, bumblebees, and other pollinators. Excellent for supporting biodiversity in gardens and landscapes. [source]
Dried flowers and arrangements
CraftFlower spikes dry beautifully and retain color and fragrance for months. Perfect for dried bouquets, wreaths, and floral crafts. [source]
Aromatic garden and fragrance
HouseholdFoliage and flowers emit a strong fruity-minty aroma that naturally scents the surrounding garden area. Can be used fresh in potpourri. [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 leaves and flowers anytime during growing season for fresh use. Harvest flowers at peak color for culinary and craft use. For drying, cut stems in early morning before sun heats foliage. Cut back after first frost or as needed for shape. Best flavor in flowers occurs mid-morning after dew dries.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'Tutti Frutti' cultivar name refers to the multicolored flower display, which resembles a medley of colorful candies or fruit flavors—each flower spike displays a natural gradient of purple, pink, and orange.
- 🌱 Agastache is derived from Greek 'agos' (abundance) and 'stachys' (ear of grain), referencing the abundant flower spikes. It's commonly called 'hummingbird mint' because hummingbirds are irresistibly attracted to its tubular flowers.
- 🌱 This hybrid agastache is more winter-hardy and drought-tolerant than many tender tropical Agastache species, making it a reliable perennial choice for temperate gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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