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When to Plant Anise in Union County, FL

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

Union County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 271 days.

At an elevation of 360 feet, Union County receives approximately 60.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, so Anise may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Anise will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Anise root diseases.

Union County, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
271 days
Last Spring Frost March 1
271 growing days
First Fall Frost November 27

Union County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.2-6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (114 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 17 Transplant: Feb 7 🍅 Harvest: May 9 – Jul 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (110 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 1 Transplant: Feb 22 🍅 Harvest: May 24 – Aug 9
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (108 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 26 Transplant: Mar 19 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Sep 3

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 870 gal / 100 sq ft
Anise needs ~2,310 GDD — county provides 5,962 GDD Excellent fit

Anise Planting Timeline โ€” Union County, FL

Anise Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 1 Feb 1 โ€“ Feb 15
Transplant Outdoors February 22 Feb 22 โ€“ Mar 8
Direct Sow February 8 Feb 8 โ€“ Mar 1
Fall Sowing October 2 Oct 2 โ€“ Oct 16
Harvest May 24 May 24 โ€“ Aug 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October Fall Sowing
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 9a

Growing Season

271 days

Growing Tips for Union 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 Union County, FL?

Union County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 1. Plan your Anise planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Union County, FL?

Union County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and first fall frost is November 27.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Union County gardeners in Zone 9a 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 Union County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.