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When to plant Anise in Clay County, MN

Spring Anise in Clay County goes in May 4–May 25, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from July 8 to July 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Anise in Clay County, MN

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

Clay County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.

At an elevation of 1,220 feet, Clay County receives approximately 35.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Anise to ensure they mature before fall.

Clay County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
142 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
142 growing days
First Fall Frost September 30

Clay County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Anise Planting Timeline — Clay County, MN

Anise Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 13
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 – May 18
Direct Sow May 4 May 4 – May 25
Harvest August 3 Aug 3 – Sep 28
Fall Sowing July 8 Jul 8 – Jul 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing
August 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 4a

📆 Growing Season

142 days in Clay County

Growing Tips for Clay 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 Clay County, MN?

Clay County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Anise planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clay County, MN?

Clay County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 30.

When should I plant Anise in Clay County, MN?

In Clay County, MN, plant Anise after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around September 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clay County, MN for Anise?

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

Can Anise grow in Clay County's climate?

Yes — Anise grows well in Clay County's temperate climate. Clay County averages a 142-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around September 30.

🌱

Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clay County (Zone 4a). 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 Clay County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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