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When to Plant Anise in Hancock County, IN

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

Hancock County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 583 feet, Hancock County receives approximately 41.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Anise during the growing season.

Hancock County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Hancock County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (26 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 6 Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: Jul 3 – Sep 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (24 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 13 Transplant: Apr 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 10 – Sep 25
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (20 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 29 Transplant: Apr 26 🍅 Harvest: Jul 26 – Oct 11

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 698 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Anise needs ~1,601 GDD — county provides 2,821 GDD Excellent fit

Anise Planting Timeline โ€” Hancock County, IN

Anise Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Mar 27
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 โ€“ Apr 24
Direct Sow April 3 Apr 3 โ€“ Apr 24
Fall Sowing August 10 Aug 10 โ€“ Aug 24
Harvest July 10 Jul 10 โ€“ Sep 25

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 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 6a

Growing Season

185 days

Growing Tips for Hancock 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 Hancock County, IN?

Hancock County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Anise planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hancock County, IN?

Hancock County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 19.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Hancock County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Hancock County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.