Agastache rugosa, 'Liquorice Blue'

Germination

Sow indoors. Sow onto moist well-drained seed compost. Press seeds lightly into the soil but do not cover. Light is needed for germination. Propagate 18-20°C. Germination 14-28 days, but can be irregular and take up to 90 days. Water only from the base. Once germination begins admit air to prevent damping off. Once seedlings are large enough to handle transplant to 8cm pots. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed with 45cm spacing. Can be sown directly in spring into well prepared soil that has had 5cm of gravel and 10cm of compost added and mixed to 30cm depth.

Growing

Prefers full sun in any soil type that is free draining. Needs little attention. Water every week or two. May require staking in exposed conditions.

Cultivation

Cut back spent flowers to encourage a longer flowering window. This is a short lived perennial. This will self-seed but not freely so collect some seed for future sowings.