Agastache Hummingbird Mint: Everything You Need to Know

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Agastache Hummingbird Mint, also known as Agastache rugosa or Korean mint, is a beautiful and versatile herb that is a must-have for any garden. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about growing, harvesting, and using Agastache Hummingbird Mint.

What is Agastache Hummingbird Mint?

Agastache Hummingbird Mint is a member of the Lamiaceae family and is a perennial herb that is native to East Asia, including Korea, China, and Japan. It grows up to 3 feet tall with square stems, toothed leaves, and pretty flowers in shades of lavender, purple, pink, and white.

Why is it called 'Hummingbird Mint'?

The name 'Hummingbird Mint' comes from the fact that the herb is highly attractive to hummingbirds due to its sweet nectar. The plant's tubular-shaped flowers are perfect for the birds' long beaks and tongues, making Agastache Hummingbird Mint a delightful addition to any bird lover's garden.

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Benefits of Agastache Hummingbird Mint

Agastache Hummingbird Mint offers numerous benefits both in gardening and cooking. Let's take a closer look at them.

Attract Bees, Butterflies and Hummingbirds

As already mentioned, Agastache Hummingbird Mint is a fantastic addition to any garden as it attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This makes it not only visually pleasing but beneficial for the environment as well.

Medicinal Properties

Agastache Hummingbird Mint has been used traditionally in Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral properties, to aid digestion and relieve bloating, indigestion or intestinal bowel syndrome (IBS). It may even help boost the immune system.

Growing Agastache Hummingbird Mint

Choosing a Location

Agastache Hummingbird Mint prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The soil must be well-draining with a pH range between 6 and 7. Plant the herb where it can enjoy good air circulation and avoid over-crowding as it grows more bushy if given space.

Soil Preparation and Planting

Add organic matter to enrich the soil at a rate of about four-quarters of organic material per square foot of planting area and a layer of mulch an inch in depth. Plant young or mature plants at two feet apart because they grow so big otherwise. This helps encourage growth of new roots and helps keep the plant healthy.

Care and Maintenance

Agastache Hummingbird Mint is relatively low-maintenance, but you should still take proper care of it to ensure healthy growth. Water your plant regularly, especially during dry spells, without allowing the soil to get waterlogged which may cause root rot. When clumps start to die back, trim them to keep the fresh leaves alive and reducing chance of pests setting in. As for pests, Agastache Humming Mint has few known problems; the most common issue being spider mites and slugs but sound watering and neem oil treatment will do the work.

Propagation

Propagating Agastache Hummingbird Mint is easy, whether using softwood or hardwood cuttings or by seed. Softwood cuttings require warmer temperature water to root while hardwood cuttings require several weeks of cold stratification before planting. If propagating by seed, dry thoroughly before storing in a dark and cool environment before sowing them in early spring.

Harvesting and Using Agastache Hummingbird Mint

When to Harvest

It's best to harvest Agastache Hummingbird Mint when the plant is at its peak season, which usually occurs late in the summer. The ideal time to pick it is in the morning hours while the dew still remains to ensure maximum flavour and aroma. Cutting the abuela blooms off will also promote more growth in the mother plant.

Drying and Storing

Once harvested, rinse the leaves under running water and then dry it off with a clean towel or rags. You can then store the leaves by hanging them upside down in a dark, cool and well-ventilated space where they can naturally dry out for several weeks before being crushed and packaged up as tea covers or spice blends sachet.

Culinary Uses

Agastache Hummingbird Mint has an intense flavour profile of both a fruity and spicy taste with distinct notes of mint and lavender. Because of its cinnamon-like flavor and delicate minty undertones, it works well in desserts like cakes, pies/filling, chocolates or fruit salads but can also be used in savoury dishes such as soups/stew, curries, poultry or rice dishes much like bay leaves or thyme would.

Aromatherapy Uses

In addition to adding Agastache Hummingbird Mint in food recipes, it's really effective herb that can be used for aromatherapy purposes for stress relief due to its oil containing high amounts of linalool found in other mood boosting herbs such as lemon balm or lavender. You can use its essential oil by rubbing a small bit on your forehead or temples, placing a few drops in an oil infuser, or even placing fresh leaves in a warm bath.

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Agastache Hummingbird Mint is an amazing herb that offers benefits beyond just being visually pleasant. Its flowers attract pollinators, while its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties may boost immunity and have many therapeutic effects if taken orally. Follow the guide above to properly grow, harvest, and use this herb to incorporate Agastache Hummingbird Mint into your garden and kitchen.

FAQ

Is Agastache Hummingbird Mint easy to grow?

Yes, it's relatively easy to grow compared to other herbs with requiring partial sun, well-draining soil, and sensible irrigation only.

What kind of soil does Agastache Hummingbird Mint need?

The soil should be well-draining and have a pH level of 6-7 which could either silt-loam or sandy soil type.

Can I plant Agastache Hummingbird Mint in a container?

Yes, but the container must drain well, and ensure transplanting young plants annually for optimal health.

What are some medicinal uses of Agastache Hummingbird Mint?

Agastache rugosa leaves can be used as a natural remedy for digestive problems such as bloating, indigestion, nausea, and heartburn. It also assists in relieving inflammation, fever or minor infections or flu-like symptoms.

How do I prepare Agastache Hummingbird Mint for cooking?

Simply chop the leaves finely and add to sweet or savoury dishes. You an also blend with sugar and use as infused sugar or wrap it whole like bay or cinnamon for more herbal aspect.

Can I use Agastache Hummingbird Mint for aromatherapy?

Yes, the mint's essential oil is known to provide relief from stress and anxiety mainly due to its linalool content.

When is the best time to harvest Agastache Hummingbird Mint?

The ideal time to harvest is late summer when the plant is at peak maturity and color in the morning after the leaves have dried of dew.

What should I look for when buying seeds or plants?

Ensure the seeds/plants are from reputable sellers, selected good quality and disease-free specimens, high germination rates if may, and read the reviews of past buyers.

How do I propagate Agastache Hummingbird Mint?

You can propagate Agastache Hummingbird Mint using either softwood or hardwood cuttings, or through seeds. You can allow the seeds to dry out naturally before planting in early spring if you have fully matured plants.

Do I need to water Agastache Hummingbird Mint frequently?

Agastache Hummingbird Mint should be irrigated appropriately, watering early mornings or evenings, just enough to keep soil slightly moist to avoid overwatering that may cause root rot.