When to Plant Anise in USDA Zone 6b
What to do in May
Your Zone 6b garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Time to start anise inside
Give them 6–8 weeks indoors before the last frost and you'll transplant into warm soil with seedlings that are already leaping.
Anise is an annual herb grown for its licorice-flavored seeds and leaves. The seeds are used in baking, liqueurs, and traditional medicine worldwide.
In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 3 and the first fall frost is around October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.
Anise Planting Timeline — Zone 6b
Where Is USDA Zone 6b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 6b. Click any state to see the Anise planting schedule for that location.
Anise Planting Calendar — Zone 6b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Sep 11 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 6b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 6b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Zone Temperature Range
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
205 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Anise in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~205 days). Start Anise indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
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Saving Anise Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Related Plants
Anise in Other Zones
Anise by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Anise in Zone 6b?
In Zone 6b, plan your Anise planting around the average last frost date of April 3. Start seeds indoors around February 27. Direct sow outdoors around March 20. Transplant seedlings around March 27.
Can Anise grow in Zone 6b?
Yes, Anise can grow well in Zone 6b, hardy in USDA zones 4a through 10b. Zone 6b has a growing season of approximately 205 days, which is sufficient for Anise (90-120 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Anise in Zone 6b?
In Zone 6b, expect to harvest Anise from June 26 – September 11. Anise takes 90-120 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 6b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 6b is around April 3, and the first fall frost is around October 25. This gives a growing season of approximately 205 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Anise?
Good companion plants for Anise include Cilantro, Basil. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.