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When to Plant Anise in Apache County, AZ

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

Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.

At an elevation of 7,720 feet, Apache County receives approximately 9.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Anise during the growing season. 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. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Anise successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Apache County, AZ (Zone 5b) Short season
143 days
Last Spring Frost May 20
143 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Apache County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.2-8.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Anise

Anise needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Anise Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 0.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 0.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 0.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 0.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.3" 4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2" 2.3" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Nov โ€” 0.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 0.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Oct in Apache County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Anise Planting Timeline โ€” Apache County, AZ

Anise Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 15 Apr 15 โ€“ Apr 29
Transplant Outdoors May 13 May 13 โ€“ May 27
Direct Sow May 6 May 6 โ€“ May 27
Harvest August 12 Aug 12 โ€“ Oct 28
Fall Sowing August 1 Aug 1 โ€“ Aug 15

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

90โ€“120 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

143 days in Apache County

Growing Tips for Apache 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Anise in Apache County, AZ?

Apache County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Anise planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Apache County, AZ?

Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is October 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Apache County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

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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 Apache County, AZ. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.