How to Grow Agastache rugosa? Detailed Guide to Planting Methods and Planting Time
SummaryPlanting time of Agastache rugosa: In northern regions, sowing can be done from late March to mid-April in spring; in southern regions, sowing can be done from September to October. Planting methods of Agastache rugosa: Either drilling or broadcasting can be chosen. After sowing, thinning and gap filling are needed, and watering and fertilizing should be done according to the growth of the seedlings. On rainy days, attention should be paid to draining accumulated water. Tender stems and leaves can be picked from April to June, and harvesting is done during the full flowering period from July to August.
I. Planting time of Agastache rugosa
1. Agastache rugosa can be sown in spring and autumn. Northern regions are suitable for spring sowing, while southern regions are suitable for autumn sowing. During this period, seedlings can be raised for transplanting, or seeds can be sown directly.
2. Spring sowing: Sow from late March to early and mid-April. Along the bed, dig shallow furrows 1-1.5 cm deep with a row spacing of 25-30 cm. Mix the seeds with a small amount of fine sand, stir evenly, sow into the furrows, then cover with a layer of soil and press lightly. Water according to the degree of soil moisture. The seed rate is 500-800 grams per mu.
3. Autumn sowing: Sow from September to October. After plowing the soil, harrow it fine and level it. Dig holes on the bed with a row spacing and plant spacing of 30 cm, with a hole depth of 3.6 cm. When digging large holes, the bottom of the holes should be flat. The seed rate is 500-600 grams per mu.
II. Planting methods of Agastache rugosa
1. Sowing methods
Agastache rugosa can be sown by drilling or broadcasting, with an average seed rate of 500-800 grams per mu. Then cover the bed surface with plastic film to keep warm and retain moisture.
2. Thinning and gap filling
After sowing Agastache rugosa, when the local average temperature remains at 13-18°C and soil moisture is suitable, seedlings generally emerge after 10-12 days. When the seedlings grow to 10-12 cm, diseased and weak seedlings should be removed. For drilling, final thinning can be carried out in two rows separately with a plant spacing of 10-12 cm. For hole sowing, 3-4 robust seedlings should be retained per hole.
3. Timely planting out
When Agastache rugosa seedlings grow to 12-15 cm with 4-6 true leaves, plant them out on cloudy days with diluted manure water at a plant spacing of 25 cm and a row spacing of 40 cm. About 6,000-7,000 seedlings can be planted out per mu. After planting out, water the soil thoroughly. If missing plants are found after the seedlings survive, gap filling can be done on cloudy days.
4. Fertilizer and water management
When the seedlings grow to 3 cm, carry out the first topdressing. After plowing and loosening the soil, apply 1.5-2 kg of decomposed diluted human and livestock manure water per mu. Later, topdressing can be carried out when the seedlings grow to 7-10 cm, 15-20 cm, and 25-30 cm respectively. Water promptly after fertilizing. Once the rows close, no further topdressing is needed.
5. Drainage and drought resistance
Agastache rugosa likes to grow in slightly moist soil. After sowing and transplanting, if drought without rain occurs, water promptly. If there is too much soil water accumulation, promptly clear ditches and drain water to prevent root rot of Agastache rugosa.
6. Timely harvest
Tender stems and leaves can be picked from April to June, and harvesting is done during the full flowering period from July to August. On sunny days, cut Agastache rugosa level with the ground, then dry it in the sun, by heated drying, or in the shade. The average yield is 4,500-7,500 kg per mu. High-quality stems and branches are green in color, dry, rich in leaves, and strongly aromatic.