When to Plant Anise in Piscataquis County, ME
This month in Piscataquis County, Maine
May is a pivotal month for Piscataquis County, Maine gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Transplant anise outside
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
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Seed anise outdoors
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: anise
Anise is an annual herb grown for its licorice-flavored seeds and leaves. The seeds are used in baking, liqueurs, and traditional medicine worldwide.
Piscataquis County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.
At an elevation of 727 feet, Piscataquis County receives approximately 49.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Anise to ensure they mature before fall.
Piscataquis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Piscataquis County
How your county's soil matches Anise's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.5) is more acidic than Anise prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Piscataquis County is excellent for Anise — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). Annual compost additions will help Anise.
How to Plant Anise
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Anise
Anise needs approximately 0.4 inches of water per week (1.7" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Anise Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.7" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Piscataquis County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Anise Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Anise Planting Timeline — Piscataquis County, ME
Anise Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | August 11 | Aug 11 – Oct 27 |
| Fall Sowing | July 20 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.4"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
132 days in Piscataquis County
Growing Tips for Anise in Piscataquis County
Direct sow Anise outdoors after May 19 in Piscataquis County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 132.0-day growing season in Piscataquis County is tight for Anise (90.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Anise in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Anise in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Anise in Piscataquis County, ME?
Piscataquis County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Anise planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Piscataquis County, ME?
Piscataquis County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 28.
Your Piscataquis County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Piscataquis County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.