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· Updated Aug 4, 2026
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Blue anise seeds, often prized for their delicate, licorice-like aroma and subtle sweetness, are a staple for both culinary enthusiasts and botanical collectors. Unlike common fennel, high-quality blue anise varieties offer a specific terpene profile that provides a cleaner, more nuanced flavor in baking, infusions, and savory dishes. Because these seeds are often used in small quantities to achieve potent results, the quality of the seed itself—its freshness, oil content, and purity—is paramount. Whether you are purchasing them for garden propagation or as a dried spice for your pantry, understanding the nuances of seed quality will ensure you aren't left with woody, flavorless, or non-viable products.
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Our Top Picks for Blue Anise Seeds
The three standouts our editors recommend first — ranked by performance, value, and real-world reviews.
If you already have a butterfly garden, or are looking to start one, this the one stop list! The comprehensive selection of butterfly attracting seed varieties! || FREE SHIPPING || NON GMO
Prairie milkweed and gazania splendens milkweed are currently unavailable, and will not be included in the "entire collection". The price of the "entire selection" has been adjusted to reflect the absence of these two packets. We do not include growing instructions with our seeds. This keeps our prices low for the experienced grower.
Hyssop Anise 600 || Imperialis Mix Swt Sultan 100 || Morning Glory Grandpa Ott 100 || Morning Glory Scarlet O'hara 40 || Lavender Vera 100 || Lobelia Great Blue 1000 || Lupine Russell 200 || Milkweed Common 50 || Milkweed Spider 10 (rare) || Milkweed Swamp 50 || Milkweed Whorled 50 || Oregano Vulgare 500 || Petunia Dwarf Mix 500 || Phlox Mixed Colors 200 || Poppy Red 1500 || Salvia Scarlet Sage 200 || Snapdragon Tetra Mix 500 || Sunflower Teddy Bear 40 || Sweet Pea Mammoth Mix 25
Verbena Moss 500 || Yarrow Red 2000 || Yarrow White 500 || Zinnia California Gnt Mix 600 || Zinnia Lilliput Mix 200 Zellajake Farm and Garden: "Seeds for all your planting needs since 2013"
Zellajake Farm and Garden’s Alyssum Royal Sweet Carpet seeds offer an incredible value for anyone looking to create dense, fragrant groundcover in their lawn or patio spaces. These Lobularia maritima seeds are a dream for high-volume planting, providing 2,000 individual seeds to ensure a lush, carpet-like effect. Because the brand focuses on keeping costs low for experienced gardeners by omitting printed instructions, you get premium, non-GMO quality without the extra fluff. It is a specialized choice that works perfectly if you are already comfortable with seed starting and want to bolster your butterfly garden with reliable, nectar-rich blooms. This specific variety is a heavy hitter for adding texture and sweetness to your outdoor landscape.
Edible Flowers and Fragrant Foliage - Grows Between Two and Four Feet High - Masses of Soft Fuzzy Lavender-Blue Flowers Bloom in the First Year – Ancient Healing Herb
Beautiful Border Plant - Ideal for Herbal Gardens, Pollinator Gardens, and Conservation Plantings - Grows Well in Pots - Self Seeds Readily
A Prolific Producer of Nectar Creating a Hummingbird, Butterfly and Bee Magnet – Deer Do Not Like It!
Zones: 4 – 9 – Perennial - Grows Well in Sun or Partial Shade – Low/Moderate Watering - Can be Started Indoors and Transplanted or Direct Sown in Spring after Danger of Frost
Seeds are for the current and following growing seasons. Growing instructions and plant Images are included on the seed envelope. Seeds are stored in environmental conditions that promote seed life (Dark/Dry/Cool).
Earthcare Seeds Anise Hyssop is a pollinator powerhouse that transforms any garden into a buzzing sanctuary. I was immediately impressed by how this ancient healing herb offers dual utility, providing both edible flowers and incredibly fragrant foliage. Growing between two and four feet tall, these plants produce massive spikes of soft, fuzzy lavender-blue blooms even in their first year. They are remarkably easy to manage, thriving in sun or partial shade with just low to moderate watering. Whether you are tucking them into a border, a container, or a dedicated herbal garden, they self-seed readily to ensure a continuous presence. Best of all, they act as a magnet for hummingbirds and bees while remaining completely deer-resistant, making them a strategic choice for conservation plantings.
ANISE HYSSOP SEED- Also called Blue Giant Hyssop, Fragrant Giant Hyssop, or Lavender Giant Hyssop, this plant is loved for its minty-licorice flavored foliage and enjoyed as a delicious tea or seasoning for savory dishes. The plant’s purple flowers attract a multitude of beneficial pollinators.
EASY TO GROW, HARVEST, AND ENJOY - Grows best from spring to summer in most climates. Will perennialize in warmer winter climates and can withstand mild frosts. 90 days from seed to harvest. Packet contains ~50 seeds.
SEEDS YOU CAN TRUST - Our seeds are non-GMO, heirloom, untreated, and open-pollinated. This makes sourcing seed from our company an easy and ethical choice.
KNOW THE SOURCE, GROWN IN THE USA - Our company is located in Ojai, California. We take great pride in our plants and are dedicated to bringing you the best quality seeds for your garden.
GREAT CARE, GREAT RESULTS - Our team is dedicated to bringing you only the best selection! We have spent years developing our expertise as seed specialists. Our seeds are tried and true, resulting in better germination rates and hardy harvests!
FOR BEST RESULTS - Seed packets are marked with a “packed for” year, representing the year they were packaged. While the seeds do not have an expiration date, we do recommend planting within 15 months of purchase for best results. Happy planting!
Most gardeners focus on aesthetics, but Anise Hyssop is a rare dual-threat that delivers culinary value alongside pollinator support. I was struck by how much utility is packed into this single packet from Plant Good Seed. You aren't just growing purple flowers to attract beneficial insects. You're cultivating a minty-licorice herb perfect for seasoning savory dishes or brewing fresh tea. These heirloom, non-GMO seeds are untreated and open-pollinated, which gives me peace of mind regarding garden ethics. The 90-day window from seed to harvest makes it an approachable project for spring or summer planting. While they thrive in warmer climates where they can perennialize, they are hardy enough to handle mild frosts, making them a reliable addition to a functional patio garden.
LIGHT & SOIL: It should be grown as in average, evenly moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It prefers organically rich loams. If grown in too much shade, plant stems tend to elongate and fall over.
TALL: It is a tender perennial or subshrub that exhibits a bushy, somewhat open habit with upright, branching, square, dark green stems typically growing 3-5’ tall.
BLOOM PERIOD: Two-lipped, tubular, deep blue flowers with purple-blue calyxes bloom in axillary and terminal spikes from mid summer into fall.
USDA ZONE: Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue' grows well in USDA growing zones 8-10.
USAGES: Beds, borders and cottage gardens. Containers. Annual for areas north of USDA Zone 8.
After weeks of watching my garden transform, the deep blue spikes of these Salvia Guaranitica 'Black and Blue' plants have become the undisputed stars of my border. These aren't your average garden fillers. They grow into impressive, bushy subshrubs reaching up to five feet tall with striking dark green stems. I planted mine in a sunny spot with rich, well-drained loam, and the result is a massive splash of color that lasts from mid-summer well into the fall. The two-lipped tubular flowers are incredibly showy, and I love the subtle anise scent that wafts through the air. They are particularly effective at attracting butterflies, making them a must-have for any cottage garden or container setup in USDA zones 8 through 10.
Edible. The soft, anise-scented leaves are used as a seasoning, as a tea, in potpourri, and can be crumbled in salad.
Easy to grow. Anise hyssop is tolerant of many soil types and is easy to grow. Grow anise hyssop in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates a wide range of soils as long as there is good drainage.
Sow. Plant hyssop just beneath the soil's surface or about a quarter inch (0.6 cm.) deep. Hyssop seeds usually take between 14 and 21 days to germinate.
Use. Anise hyssop is useful in borders, wildflower gardens, herb gardens, butterfly gardens, and meadows. It can also be an excellent addition to containers. It is also good to make cut flower and dry flower.
QAUZUY GARDEN Anise Hyssop Purple seeds deliver a dual-purpose powerhouse for any gardener looking to blend culinary utility with pollinator attraction. I love how versatile these Agastache foeniculum plants are. You can tuck them into a wildflower meadow or keep them contained in a patio pot. The leaves carry a wonderful anise scent that works beautifully in teas, salads, or even potpourri. Growing them is surprisingly straightforward since they handle various soil types well, provided you ensure decent drainage. Just sow them about a quarter inch deep in full sun or partial shade, and you should see germination within about three weeks. It is a rewarding addition for anyone wanting to bolster their butterfly garden while harvesting flavorful seasonings.
Most gardeners assume they need a massive budget to build a pollinator paradise, but this tiny packet of Anise Hyssop seeds proves that impact often comes in small packages. These heirloom seeds from Botanical Interests are a powerhouse for any patio or lawn project, especially if you live in USDA zones 4 through 8. Once they take root, you can expect striking lavender-blue flower spikes reaching up to 48 inches in height. I love that they are versatile enough to thrive in everything from full sun to partial shade, making them a forgiving choice for various garden layouts. Since they are perennials, you get a recurring display of beauty year after year for a very modest initial investment.
Salvia Guaranitica 'Black and Blue' seeds offer a striking visual punch with their deep hues and incredible ability to draw hummingbirds to your garden. Growing these herbaceous perennials requires a bit of patience and a specific touch, especially since you need to start them indoors about 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost. I found that success really hinges on the sowing technique. You must place the seeds directly on the surface of well-draining soil and press them down without covering them. Using a clear plastic dome to create a greenhouse effect is a total game-changer for moisture retention. Once established, the anise-scented foliage and vibrant blooms turn any patio or garden bed into a high-activity nectar station.
LIGHT & SOIL: Enjoys full sun or light shade in average, evenly moist, well-drained soils. Organically rich loam is preferred. Avoid too much shade or the plant might fall over.
TALL: Grows up to 3-5 ft. tall, and spread to 4-5 ft. wide.
BLOOM PERIOD: Blooming from mid-summer to fall to the delight of hummingbirds and butterflies.
USES: It is ideal at the back of the border and mixes wonderfully with the vibrant, hot colors of other perennials. Perfect for containers too.
USDA ZONE: This tender perennial is hardy to zones 8-10 and is generally treated as an annual in cooler areas (if planted in a protected location with a winter mulch, the plant might survive a mild winter in zones 6-7).
Gardeners craving a high-impact pollinator magnet for their late-season landscape absolutely need these Salvia Guaranitica seeds. I love how this plant transforms a standard border into a bustling hub for hummingbirds and butterflies from mid-summer through the fall. Because it can reach heights of up to five feet, it serves as a magnificent backdrop for shorter, vibrant perennials or even thrives in large containers. You just have to ensure it gets plenty of sun and well-drained, rich soil to prevent it from flopping over. While it is a tender perennial best suited for zones 8-10, it offers incredible visual drama and a lovely fragrance that makes the planting effort well worth it.
Appearance: Anise hyssop grows up to 2 to 4 feet tall and has upright stems with lance-shaped, toothed leaves. The leaves have a pleasant anise or licorice fragrance when crushed. The plant produces spikes of tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or blue, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Start indoors (optional): Anise hyssop seeds can be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Sow the seeds in seed-starting trays or pots filled with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Lightly press the seeds onto the soil surface and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
Provide consistent moisture: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Using a spray bottle or a misting attachment on a watering can can help maintain moisture without overwatering.
Maintain temperature and light: Place the trays or pots in a warm location with temperatures around 70-75°F. Provide bright, indirect light or use grow lights to promote healthy growth.
Transplanting: Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden. Harden off the seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions for a few hours each day before transplanting.
Most gardeners settle for standard ornamental flowers that offer nothing but visual appeal, but Anise Hyssop brings a sensory dimension to your landscape that is hard to ignore. These seeds produce striking spikes of purple, pink, or blue tubular flowers that act as a magnet for bees and butterflies. Beyond the pollinator benefits, the lance-shaped leaves release a delightful licorice fragrance whenever they are crushed. I found that starting them indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost gives you a massive head start. Just ensure you maintain a warm environment around 70-75°F and keep the soil consistently moist with a gentle mist to avoid waterlogging. It is a rewarding addition for anyone wanting a fragrant, functional garden bed.
The primary indicator of high-quality blue anise seeds is the presence of volatile oils, specifically anethole. When selecting seeds for culinary use, the aroma is your most reliable litmus test. Fresh seeds should emit a strong, sweet, and slightly spicy scent immediately upon opening the container. If the seeds smell dusty, hay-like, or have no discernible fragrance, they are likely old and have lost their potency. For gardeners, high oil content is often a proxy for seed vigor. Seeds that have been stored poorly often lose the biological energy required for successful germination.
Evaluate Seed Purity and Grading
One of the most common issues with bulk-purchased seeds is the presence of 'chaff' or 'impurities.' This includes broken seed fragments, stems, or dust from other spices. When shopping, look for descriptions that emphasize 'whole seeds' or 'triple-cleaned' products. In the culinary world, whole seeds stay fresh much longer than pre-ground versions because the essential oils are trapped within the hull. For those looking to grow their own, ensure the seeds are labeled as a single variety rather than a 'spice blend,' which can lead to unpredictable growth and cross-contamination in your garden.
Consider the Source: Culinary vs. Botanical Grade
A critical decision factor is determining whether you need seeds for consumption or for planting. While they are biologically similar, the processing differs significantly. Culinary-grade seeds are often processed to maximize flavor and are frequently dried under controlled conditions to prevent mold. Botanical-grade seeds, intended for sowing, are evaluated based on germination rates. If you are buying for the garden, always check for a minimum germination percentage (ideally 80% or higher). If you are buying for the kitchen, focus on the packaging—airtight, light-protected containers are essential to prevent the oils from oxidizing and turning rancid.
Storage and Longevity Factors
The lifecycle of blue anise seeds is relatively short compared to hardier grains. To get the most value out of your purchase, consider the volume you intend to use. It is better to buy smaller quantities of high-quality, fresh seeds than to buy in bulk and end up with a stale pantry. Look for packaging that utilizes opaque materials or dark glass, as light exposure is the enemy of anise flavor. If you find a high-quality source, storing your seeds in a cool, dark, and dry environment will help preserve that signature licorice punch for months rather than weeks.
Summary Checklist for Buyers
To make the best decision, use this quick mental checklist: Is the scent pungent and sweet? Are the seeds whole and free of debris? If planting, is the germination rate clearly stated? Is the packaging designed to block light and moisture? By following these criteria, you will ensure that your blue anise seeds provide the aromatic depth your recipes—or your garden—deserve.
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Quick answers about Blue Anise Seeds before you buy.
Blue anise seeds typically refer to specific cultivars or varieties that may have a slightly different aromatic profile or color hue compared to standard green anise, often prized for their intense licorice essence.
Yes, they are closely related and can be used interchangeably in most recipes, though blue anise often provides a sweeter, more concentrated licorice flavor.
Store them in an airtight glass container in a cool, dark, and dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent the essential oils from evaporating.
While safe for culinary use, they have a very potent flavor. It is best to use them sparingly to avoid overpowering your dish.
They are excellent for flavoring baked goods like breads and cookies, seasoning stews, or infusing syrups and liqueurs.
Check for a loss of distinct aroma, a dusty or musty smell, or the presence of any visible moisture or mold within the container.
Yes, grinding them fresh with a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder releases the aromatic oils immediately before use.
They are a good source of dietary fiber and contain small amounts of essential minerals, though they are primarily used for their flavor profile.
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