Approximately 50 seeds per packet
Collected and packaged: 2025
Germination code: C60
Please refer to our germination codes and growing information for recommendations and tips.
Seed treatment recommended: this species requires a minimum of 60 days of cold moist stratification to break its natural dormancy and encourage germination. Alternatively, sow seeds in outdoor containers in the fall or winter, with germination occurring in the spring. If seed is untreated by February, we recommend artificially moist stratifying in a fridge.
Surface sow only: this species has small or tiny, dust-particle-sized seeds that require light to germinate. Sown seed should only be sprinkled over the surface of pre-moistened soil, and not covered or buried beneath the soil. Water lightly with a light spray or mist to keep the soil moist. Be careful when watering before germination occurs to not bury or dislodge the seeds.
Agastache nepetoides (Yellow giant hyssop) Seed Packet
Virginia ecotype
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Upright, tall, clumping, naturalizing
Size: 3 – 8 ft. high / 1 – 3 ft. wide
Flowering time: July - September
Bloom color: Pale yellow to greenish-yellow
Habitat: Moist woodlands, woodland edges, stream banks, thickets, and partially shaded meadows
Moisture: Medium to moist, well-drained
Light: Full sun to shade; best flowering display in more sun, but needs a little extra water
Soils: Prefers loamy or rich soils but tolerates clay and sandy textures
Uses: Pollinator gardens, native plant meadows, woodland edges, riparian buffers, rain gardens (with good drainage), ecological restoration projectsAgastache nepetoides, the Yellow Giant Hyssop, is a sizeable member of the mint family native to rich woods, streambanks, and moist thickets. It thrives in dappled sunlight and moist, well-drained soils.
It is one of two Agastache species native to the east coast, the other being the Purple Giant Hyssop (Agastache scrophulariifolia). Yellow giant hyssop is the only Agastache native to the central and eastern Virginia region. Other commonly sold Agastaches (Anise hyssop, Hummingbird mints, and Korean mint) are only native to central states, central America, or are exotic in origin.The plant is primarily recognized by long, unbranched spikes of small, pale yellow to green-yellow flowers. While not as showy a display as compared to other Agastache, these blooms are no less attractive to pollinators. Flowering occurs mid- to late summer and can continue into early fall, offering nectar and pollen for a several months.
Giant Yellow Hyssop is particularly attractive to native bees, butterflies, beneficial wasps, and the occasional hummingbird. Goldfinches in particular enjoy pinching out the salt-grain sized nutlet seeds. As a member of the mint family, it produces a subtle, aromatic scent when crushed, and is not often browsed by herbivores. Yellow giant hyssop can naturalize in suitable open habitats and can form loose colonies over time through reseeding and very short, clumping rhizomes.