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When to plant Anise in Douglas County, CO

The best window to plant Anise in Douglas County, is May 8–May 29, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits May 22; first frost September 20. A second sowing from July 12 to July 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Anise in Douglas County, CO

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

Douglas County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 121 days.

At an elevation of 7,421 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 12.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Anise during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Anise successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Douglas County, CO (Zone 5b) Short season
121 days
Last Spring Frost May 22
121 growing days
First Fall Frost September 20

Douglas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-8.4

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 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Douglas County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Anise Planting Timeline — Douglas County, CO

Anise Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Transplant Outdoors May 15 May 15 – May 29
Direct Sow May 8 May 8 – May 29
Harvest August 14 Aug 14 – Oct 30
Fall Sowing July 12 Jul 12 – Jul 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

121 days in Douglas County

Growing Tips for Douglas 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 Douglas County, CO?

Douglas County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Anise planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Douglas County, CO?

Douglas County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 20.

When should I plant Anise in Douglas County, CO?

In Douglas County, CO, plant Anise after the last frost (around May 22) and before the first frost (around September 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Douglas County, CO for Anise?

Douglas County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Anise grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Anise grow in Douglas County's climate?

Yes — Anise grows well in Douglas County's temperate climate. Douglas County averages a 121-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 22 and first frost around September 20.

🌱

Your Douglas County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Douglas County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Douglas County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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