Blog

When to Plant Anise in Hale County, AL

Anise is an annual herb grown for its licorice-flavored seeds and leaves. The seeds are used in baking, liqueurs, and traditional medicine worldwide.

Hale County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 405 feet, Hale County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93Β°F, providing good warmth for Anise during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Anise, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Hale County, AL (Zone 7b) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Hale County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Anise

Anise needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Anise Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Hale County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Anise Planting Timeline β€” Hale County, AL

Anise Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 7 Feb 7 – Feb 21
Transplant Outdoors March 7 Mar 7 – Mar 21
Direct Sow February 28 Feb 28 – Mar 21
Harvest June 6 Jun 6 – Aug 22
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 – Sep 18

Plant 0.5" deep Β· 8" apart Β· Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April β€”
May β€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Fall Sowing
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

90–120 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

πŸ“† Growing Season

244 days in Hale County

Growing Tips for Hale County

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.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Carrots

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Anise in Hale County, AL?

Hale County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Anise planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hale County, AL?

Hale County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 13.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Hale County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Hale County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.