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When to plant Anise in Kankakee County, IL

Kankakee County's climate puts the Anise spring window between April 6 and April 27. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 5 to August 19 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Anise in Kankakee 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.

Kankakee County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 1,113 feet, Kankakee County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Anise during the growing season.

Kankakee County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Kankakee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Anise Planting Timeline — Kankakee County, IL

Anise Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 16 Mar 16 – Mar 30
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 – Apr 27
Direct Sow April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 27
Harvest July 13 Jul 13 – Sep 28
Fall Sowing August 5 Aug 5 – Aug 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
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

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

177 days in Kankakee County

Growing Tips for Kankakee 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 Kankakee County, IL?

Kankakee County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Anise planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kankakee County, IL?

Kankakee County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 14.

When should I plant Anise in Kankakee County, IL?

In Kankakee County, IL, plant Anise after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Kankakee County, IL for Anise?

Kankakee 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 Kankakee County's climate?

Yes — Anise grows well in Kankakee County's temperate climate. Kankakee County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 14.

🌱

Your Kankakee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kankakee 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 Kankakee County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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