When to Plant Anise in Plymouth County, MA
What to do in May
Your Plymouth County, Massachusetts 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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Start anise under lights
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
Anise is an annual herb grown for its licorice-flavored seeds and leaves. The seeds are used in baking, liqueurs, and traditional medicine worldwide.
Plymouth County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 947 feet, Plymouth County receives approximately 46.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Anise during the growing season.
Plymouth County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.6
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 Plymouth County
How your county's soil matches Anise's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.6) is more acidic than Anise prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Plymouth County is excellent for Anise — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). 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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Plymouth 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 — Plymouth County, MA
Anise Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | July 11 | Jul 11 – Sep 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
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 6b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Plymouth County
Growing Tips for Anise in Plymouth County
Direct sow Anise outdoors after April 18 in Plymouth County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Plymouth County, MA?
Plymouth County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Anise planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Plymouth County, MA?
Plymouth County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 26.
Your Plymouth County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Plymouth County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.