When to Plant Anise in Saline County, IL
Anise is an annual herb grown for its licorice-flavored seeds and leaves. The seeds are used in baking, liqueurs, and traditional medicine worldwide.
Saline County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 748 feet, Saline County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Anise during the growing season.
Saline County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Anise Planting Timeline — Saline County, IL
Anise Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Direct Sow | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Sep 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 6b
Growing Season
199 days
Growing Tips for Saline 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
Level Up Your Garden
Anise in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Anise in Saline County, IL?
Saline County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Anise planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Saline County, IL?
Saline County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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