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Korean Licorice Mint (Bae Cho Hyang)
Agastache rugosa
Known as 배초향 (Bae Cho Hyang), which translates to: "a plant whose scent is so strong it banishes other scents." It's also known as banga ip. In Gyeongsang-do Province, it's used similar to Kkaennip (Perilla), and in a lot of stews.
It is a hardy perennial aromatic herb from the meadows and streambeds of East Asia. Tall, upright stems with bluish purple flower spikes make this an excellent cut flower. The toothed leaves taste like spearmint and licorice and help with digestion when taken as a tea.
Seeds per pack: 75
Germination rate: 89% on 02/19/2024
Planting / harvesting notes
Sow seeds on the surface of moist potting soil and keep it evenly moist, cool, and in the sunlight until germination. Start indoors, and later transplant in full sun 12 inches apart.
Seed keeping notes
Allow seedheads to dry on the plant. Cut the stalks below the lowest seed clusters. If necessary, dry the seedheads further in the sun on a sheet or table away from moisture and precipitation. When fully dry, whack the seedheads in a bucket, allowing the ripest seed to fall. Sift through strainers to remove the largest chaff, and then winnow off the lighter chaff with your breath, a fan, or the wind.
