'Superior Licorice Mint' Korean Mint

Agastache rugosa

Origin: East Asia

Improvement status: Wild

Seeds per packet: ~200

Germination tested 11/2023: 92%

Life cycle: Perennial

This relative of anise-hyssop looks quite similar and is equally attractive to pollinators, but has a more minty, menthol-like smell and flavor and it grows to two or three times the size (about 6’ tall in good soil and full sun). It is a popular food item in Korea, where it is called banga and is used most often in fish stews or pancakes (the famous Banga-buchimgae). In China, it is one of the 50 fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine, used particularly for nausea, vomiting, and as an appetite stimulator. Hardy to Zone 7 as a perennial, but grows as a self-sowing annual in most climates. Our seed comes from Frank Morton of Wild Garden Seeds in Philomath, Oregon.

GROWING TIPS: Seeds are quite small, so surface sow in pots for transplants or direct sow into a carefully prepared, well-weeded seed bed. Prefers sun to part shade, and should thrive in most soils.