How to Grow Anise

General Information

Botanical Name:

Pimpinella anisum

Common Names:

Anise, Anise Seed, Sweet Anise

Plant Family:

Apiaceae

Type:

Annual; Culinary/Medicinal/Aromatic; Warm season

Our Favorite Varieties:

Common Anise, Green Anise

Know Before You Grow

Growing Zones:

4–9

Frost Hardy:

Light frost only

Heat Tolerant:

Moderate

Stratification:

No

Rows, Beds, Containers:

Best in rows or beds; containers possible but not ideal due to taproot

Starting from Seed

When:

Not Recommended

Row, Bed, Container Prep

Soil:

Loose, well-draining, moderately fertile soil

pH:

6.0–7.0

Soil Depth or Pot Size:

10–12 inches deep minimum; containers at least 12 inches deep if used

Trellis:

No

Fertilizer/Feed:

Light feeder; mix a small amount of balanced fertilizer such as 5-5-5 into soil if needed

Compost:

Mix 1–2 inches into soil before planting

Transplanting/Up Potting

When:

Not recommended; direct sow is best

How:

If transplanting, move very young seedlings carefully

Depth:

Same as original depth

Spacing:

6–8 inches apart

Water:

Water gently after transplanting

Mulch:

Light mulch once plants are established

Direct Sowing

When:

After last frost when soil is warm

Depth:

¼ inch

Spacing:

Thin to 6–8 inches apart

Water:

Keep evenly moist until established

Light:

Full sun

# in Sq. Ft. Planting:

4 plants per square foot

Growing Care

Fertilizer/Feed:

Feed lightly only if needed; too much fertilizer reduces seed production

Days to Maturity:

90–120 days

Water:

About 1 inch per week; keep moisture steady during flowering and seed set

Pruning/Harvesting:

Do not cut heavily if growing for seed; allow plants to fully flower and set seed

Mulching:

Add 1–2 inches of straw or fine mulch after plants are established; keep mulch 2–3 inches away from stems

Pollination:

Insect pollinated; bees and beneficial insects improve seed production

Companions & Antagonists

Plant Family:

Antagonists:

Coriander

None known

Carrots

–

Cabbage Family

–

Attracts & Repels

Attracts:

Repels:

Bees, butterflies, beneficial insects

Some pest insects lightly due to strong scent

Pests & Disease

Pests:

Disease:

Aphids

Powdery Mildew

Caterpillars

Root Rot

Seed Saving

When:

When seed heads turn gray-brown and seeds are dry

Method:

Cut seed heads, dry fully, then rub seeds free and store dry

Harvest Time

When:

When seeds are fully formed and dry on the plant

How:

Cut whole seed heads and finish drying if needed

What:

Seeds

Storing:

Store fully dried seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place

Preservation Methods:

Drying

Medicinal Uses:

Traditionally Used for:

Digestion, gas relief, cough support, mild calming

Forms:

Tea, syrup, tincture, whole seed

Dosage or Application:

Tea: 1–2 teaspoons crushed seeds per cup; Tincture: 20–40 drops; Syrup: 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon as needed

NOTICE:

This information is based on historical/traditional fact. It is for educational purposes only. Lowe Bridges Farm will not be held liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information and the results thereof is your responsibility, and yours alone.

Culinary Uses:

Flavor Profile:

Sweet, licorice-like, aromatic

Best Used In:

Baked goods, teas, candies, spice blends, liqueurs

Forms:

Whole seed, crushed seed, ground seed

As an Aromatic:

Used for:

Sweet licorice scent in blends and preparations

How:

Whole or crushed dried seed

Troubleshooting

Poor Germination:

Soil too cold or too dry

Weak Growth:

Soil too poor or plants too crowded

Poor Seed Set:

Not enough time to mature or poor pollination

Mildew:

Improve airflow and avoid overcrowding

Root Issues:

Soil too wet or poorly drained

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