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When to Plant Anise in Mariposa County, CA

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

Mariposa County, California is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.

At an elevation of 192 feet, Mariposa County receives approximately 19.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Anise during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Anise successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Mariposa County, CA (Zone 7b) Long season
205 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
205 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Mariposa County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (59 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 17 Transplant: Mar 17 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Sep 1
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (44 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 14 Transplant: Apr 11 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Sep 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (38 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 13 Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: Aug 10 – Oct 26

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.4″/week
You supply
0.7″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,328 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Anise needs ~1,916 GDD — county provides 3,741 GDD Excellent fit

Anise Planting Timeline โ€” Mariposa County, CA

Anise Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 14 Mar 14 โ€“ Mar 28
Transplant Outdoors April 11 Apr 11 โ€“ Apr 25
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 โ€“ Apr 25
Fall Sowing August 31 Aug 31 โ€“ Sep 14
Harvest July 11 Jul 11 โ€“ Sep 26

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

90โ€“120 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

205 days

Growing Tips for Mariposa 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Anise in Mariposa County, CA?

Mariposa County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Anise planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mariposa County, CA?

Mariposa County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is November 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

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