Anise hyssop is a small perennial herb native to the middle of North America. Anise hyssop tastes like anise and is from the same plant family as hyssop, but it is not a cross between the two. Its licorice-flavored leaves and seeds can be used in teas, salads, and cooking.
Anise hyssop is a lovely herb that brings a licorice-like flavor and aroma to gardens and recipes With its pretty purple flowers and fragrant foliage, anise hyssop is also an ornamental plant that attracts pollinators Learning how to properly harvest anise hyssop ensures you get the most out of this versatile plant.
When to Harvest Anise Hyssop
-
Leaves – Harvest anise hyssop leaves before the plant flowers for the best flavor The leaves have the strongest flavor and aroma right before the flowers emerge
-
Flowers – Harvest anise hyssop flowers when about two-thirds of the blooms on the flower stalk have opened. The flowers will be brightly colored and very fragrant at this stage.
-
Seeds – Allow anise hyssop flowers to dry on the plant after blooming finishes. Then collect the dry seed heads and separate out the seeds. Store seeds in an airtight container.
How to Harvest Anise Hyssop Leaves
-
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut anise hyssop stems about 4-6 inches long. Select stems with healthy leaves from the bottom and middle section of the plant.
-
Make cuts just above leaf nodes where new growth can emerge. Never cut more than one-third of the plant at one time to avoid stressing it.
-
Harvest in the morning after any dew has evaporated for best flavor.
-
To dry leaves, strip leaves from the cut stems and place them in a single layer on trays. Dry in a warm, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.
-
When fully dry, store leaves in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. Dried leaves retain their aroma and flavor for up to a year.
How to Harvest Anise Hyssop Flowers
-
Use pruners to snip off flower stalks when the lower flowers on the stalk are open and the upper buds still closed.
-
Harvest stalks with the most open, vividly colored flowers.
-
Place freshly cut flowers in a vase of water out of direct sunlight or hang upside down in small bundles to air dry.
-
Store fully dried flowers in airtight containers. Dried flowers can be displayed in arrangements or used for tea.
Getting the Most Out of Your Anise Hyssop Harvest
-
Avoid overharvesting. Never remove more than one-third of the plant at one time to keep it healthy.
-
Harvest frequently, at least once a week. Regular harvesting encourages steady growth and maximum yields over the season.
-
Always use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant. Ragged cuts invite pests and diseases.
-
Harvest in the early morning after dew dries for best flavor.
-
Dry leaves and flowers quickly in a warm, well-ventilated area out of sunlight to retain aromas and flavors.
-
Store dried anise hyssop properly in cool, dark spaces in airtight containers.
Anise Hyssop Leaf Uses
-
Add fresh leaves to salad mixes, fruit salads, soups, meat dishes, baked goods, and beverages
-
Infuse leaves in vinegars, oils, syrups, and liquor for intense flavor
-
Use dried leaves for tea blends, potpourri, sachets
-
Sprinkle dried leaves over desserts like ice cream
Anise Hyssop Flower Uses
-
Add fresh flowers to salads, beverages, baked goods
-
Candy flowers by dipping them in egg white and superfine sugar
-
Infuse in oil or vinegar for a unique flavor
-
Dry for potpourri or floral arrangements
-
Use in bath and beauty recipes like soaps, bath salts, and lip balms
Storing Anise Hyssop
Fresh leaves and flowers:
- Store in plastic bags or containers in the refrigerator for up to one week
Dried leaves and flowers:
- Store in airtight glass jars or containers in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year
Seeds:
-
Allow seed heads to fully ripen and dry on the plant after flowering
-
Separate seeds from pods and store in paper envelopes or glass jars in a cool, dry spot for planting next season
Learning the ideal harvest times and proper techniques for anise hyssop allows you to get the most out of this plant in your garden and kitchen. Follow these tips to maximize your yields of leaves, flowers, and seeds.
Anise hyssop compaion planting
- Planting companions: Anise hyssop brings in honeybees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. In late summer and early fall, it’s a good place to get nectar. It repels cabbage moths. Plant anise hyssop with chamomile and horehound.
How to plant anise hyssop
- Planting depth: Sow seed ¼ to ½ inch deep.
- Spacing: Space plants 1 to 1½ feet apart.
- How many to plant: For cooking, grow two to three anise hyssop plants. For tea or preserving, grow up to twelve plants.
Harvesting Anise Hyssop: When, how, and why.
FAQ
What part of anise hyssop do you use?
What part of anise hyssop is edible?
What part of hyssop is used for tea?
How do you harvest Anise Hyssop leaves?
When to harvest: Harvest anise hyssop leaves using a snip or scissors as needed but before flower buds open. Leaves have their best flavor just before the plant flowers. How to harvest: Snip leaves as needed, starting from the bottom of the plant. Use a snip or garden scissors. Gather leaves in the morning.
How do you overwinter anise hyssop?
Overwinter anise hyssop by covering plants with a layer of much during cold winters. Pests and diseases: Anise hyssop is usually pest and disease-free. When to harvest: Harvest anise hyssop leaves using a snip or scissors as needed but before flower buds open. Leaves have their best flavor just before the plant flowers.
How do you grow anise hyssop?
It can also be grown in containers, alone or in combination with other plants. In mixed beds combine it with Verbena bonariensis and various annuals and perennials. The chartreuse leaves of the cultivar “Golden Jubilee” look good next to plants that have green or purple leaves. Grow anise hyssop in full sun to partial shade.
How long does an anise hyssop take to grow?
Seeds germinate in 7 to 14 days. Transplanting to the garden: Set out anise hyssop seedlings when all risk of frost is passed. Outdoor planting time: Sow seed directly in the garden a week before the average last spring frost date. Planting depth: Sow seed ¼ to ½ inch deep. Spacing: Space plants 1 to 1½ feet apart.
Can anise hyssop be cut back?
You can also trim back anise hyssop when the plant dies back in winter. However, you can leave the bare stems as they are or cut the plant back to the ground. The anise hyssop plant is an herb that is easy to propagate. You can grow anise hyssop from seed, by plant division, or by rooting stem cuttings.
How do you Dry an anise hyssop?
For drying: Cut anise hyssop stems when at least half of the flowers on the stalk are open. Air dry bundled stems upside down in a dark area. For leaves: Harvest leaves no more than once per week. Pinching off leaf tips stimulates branching and continuous harvests.