Anise Planting Guide
Anise is an annual herb grown for its licorice-flavored seeds and leaves. The seeds are used in baking, liqueurs, and traditional medicine worldwide.
Pimpinella anisum · Herb · Apiaceae family · 90–120 days to maturity
Get Your Personalized Anise Planting Dates
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Where Can You Grow Anise?
Anise Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Anise planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 4a | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Jul 29 – Sep 23 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 21 | Apr 11 | Apr 18 | Jul 18 – Oct 3 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 14 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | Jul 11 – Sep 26 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | Jul 3 – Sep 18 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 27 | Jun 26 – Sep 11 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 18 | Jun 17 – Sep 2 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | Jun 10 – Aug 26 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 1 | Feb 22 | Mar 1 | May 31 – Aug 16 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 21 | Feb 11 | Feb 18 | May 20 – Aug 5 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 13 | Jan 20 | Feb 3 | May 5 – Jul 21 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 28 | Jan 4 | Jan 18 | Apr 19 – Jul 5 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Mar 26 – Jun 11 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Mar 26 – Jun 11 |
How to Plant Anise
🍂 Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Consistent moisture produces the best results.
🧪 Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil — ideal for most garden beds.
🗺️ Hardiness Zones
Zone 4a – 10b
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Medium-season crop. Start early for best results in shorter seasons.
👪 Plant Family
Apiaceae
Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Apiaceae family crops grew last year.
How Much Anise to Grow
Anise takes 90–120 days to mature. In most zones you'll get one harvest per season, so plant enough to last.
Companion Planting for Anise
✅ Good Companions
❌ Keep Away From
Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Growing Tips for Anise
Direct sow after last frost as anise has a taproot. Harvest seeds when they turn brown. Plants may need staking. The feathery leaves are also edible with a mild anise flavor.
Saving Anise Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Level Up Your Garden
Anise by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Anise?
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) takes 90 to 120 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Anise grow in?
Anise can be grown in USDA zones 4a through 10b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Anise need?
Growing Anise requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.5.