GLOBE AGASTACHE SEEDS

Agastache pallida x rugosa 'Globetrotter'

One of many lovely stable Agastache hybrids bred in Holland by Brian Kabbes. The real star of these plants are the glowing deep violet pink persistent bracts. Pale purple edible nectar-rich flowers bloom in late spring into summer, contrasting beautifully with the bracts and attracting all manner of winged creature. Even after the flowers drop the stunning bracts color the garden well into autumn.

Sow seeds indoors around 8-10 weeks before the last spring frost. Press seeds into moist soil and dust with fine vermiculite. Mist generously and cover with plastic to maintain moisture. Kept warm (around 70°F) and moist in bright light seeds germinate within a week or two. Uncover promptly as seeds begin to germinate. Prick out seedlings to grow on in bright light at warm room temperature in individual 3" pots or 2" cells. Allow to dry out slightly between waterings and fertilize weekly with dilute seaweed extract. Do not overwater! Harden off and transplant into sunny well-drained soils after all danger of frost has passed. Water and fertilize regularly just until established, after which they will typically thrive on neglect.

Best in poor dry soils in full sun. Pinch young plants to encourage branching. Plants in bloom can grow to almost 3'. Foliage is pleasantly scented but isn't nearly as suitable for tea or culinary use as its progenitors. Best as an ornamental grown en masse. Tucking in several plants close together in regions where these plants are not hardy is recommended, as they can be a little meager and underwhelming on their own in the first year.

Only marginally hardy on the cold edge of zone 6. Requires very sharply drained soils to overwinter successfully. Even given ideal conditions these plants are unfortunately short-lived. Not the most impressive as an annual, especially compared to the superior Sangria, so do start as early as possible in the season and grow several plants close together to create the best display.

Packet contains at least 50 seeds.