When to Plant Anise in Lee County, TX
Anise is an annual herb grown for its licorice-flavored seeds and leaves. The seeds are used in baking, liqueurs, and traditional medicine worldwide.
Lee County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 28 and the first fall frost is November 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 275 days.
At an elevation of 1,174 feet, Lee County receives approximately 59.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Anise may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Anise, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Anise root diseases.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7.1-8.2
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Lee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Anise Planting Timeline — Lee County, TX
Anise Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Direct Sow | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 28 |
| Harvest | May 23 | May 23 – Aug 8 |
| Fall Sowing | October 5 | Oct 5 – Oct 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
275 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Lee 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Anise in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Anise in Lee County, TX?
Lee County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 28. Plan your Anise planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, TX?
Lee County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 28 and first fall frost is November 30.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.