Arizona Sun Hummingbird Mint Seeds

Arizona Sun Hummingbird Mint (also known as Agastache) is a dazzling, pollinator-friendly plant that thrives in full sun and attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies with its vibrant, tubular blooms. With its striking orange and red flowers, Arizona Sun creates a stunning focal point in any garden while providing a valuable resource for local wildlife. Known for its long blooming season, drought tolerance, and aromatic foliage, this plant is an excellent choice for water-wise gardens or low-maintenance landscapes.

Key Benefits

• Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it perfect for creating a vibrant, wildlife-friendly garden.
• Bright Orange & Red Flowers: The unique flower color adds a burst of warmth and brightness to gardens, especially during summer and fall.
• Aromatic Foliage: The mint-scented leaves add a refreshing aroma to the garden.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, Arizona Sun Hummingbird Mint is highly drought-tolerant, making it perfect for water-wise gardens.
• Long Blooming Season: Enjoy continuous blooms from late spring to fall, providing months of color and attracting pollinators.

Variety Features

• Flower Color: Vibrant orange and red tubular flowers.
• Flower Shape: Tube-shaped flowers that are perfect for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
• Plant Height: Grows to about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall, making it suitable for borders, containers, or smaller garden spaces.
• Bloom Time: Blooms from late spring through fall, providing a long-lasting display of color.
• Foliage: Aromatic mint-scented leaves that complement the plant's vibrant flowers.

Planting Instructions

Best Planting Season

• Spring: Plant Arizona Sun Hummingbird Mint in the spring after the last frost, when the soil has warmed up.

Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily).
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil. It can tolerate a variety of soil types but thrives in moderately fertile, slightly alkaline soil.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Lightly press the seeds into the soil but do not cover them, as they need light to germinate.
• Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart to allow for healthy air circulation and room to grow.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist during germination. Once established, water moderately, as the plant is drought-tolerant.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the plant well-watered until it becomes established. Afterward, water moderately, as Arizona Sun is drought-tolerant once mature.

Fertilizing

• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can reduce flower production.

Pruning

• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain the plant's tidy appearance. Trim back the plant in late fall to prepare it for the next growing season.

Harvesting

• Flowers: Cut flowers when they are fully open for use in floral arrangements. These blooms also make excellent additions to summer bouquets.
• Seeds: Allow the plant to set seeds after flowering. Collect the seeds once they are dry and store them in a cool, dry place for future planting.

Storage

• Seed Storage: Store collected seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from moisture and heat for maximum viability.

Culinary Uses

• The leaves of Arizona Sun Hummingbird Mint have a minty aroma and can be used to flavor teas or dishes. While it's mainly ornamental, the aromatic leaves make a refreshing herbal addition to recipes.

Conclusion

Arizona Sun Hummingbird Mint is a beautiful and low-maintenance plant that brings vibrant color, fragrance, and pollinator support to any garden. With its striking orange and red flowers, aromatic mint leaves, and long blooming season, it's a perfect choice for creating a wildlife-friendly landscape. Its drought-tolerant nature and compact size make it ideal for various garden types, from container gardens to pollinator beds. Whether you're attracting hummingbirds or adding a splash of color to your outdoor space, Arizona Sun Hummingbird Mint is sure to impress.