When to Plant Anise in Refugio 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.
Refugio County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 16 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 293 days.
At an elevation of 1,000 feet, Refugio County receives approximately 68.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Anise may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Anise root diseases.
Refugio County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.2
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 Refugio County
How your county's soil matches Anise's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.2) is within Anise's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Refugio County is excellent for Anise — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.0%). Annual compost additions will help Anise.
How to Plant Anise
Fall planting: Sow 8 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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 1.7" | 2.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 1.7" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 11.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 1.7" | 1.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Refugio 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 — Refugio County, TX
Anise Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Direct Sow | January 26 | Jan 26 – Feb 16 |
| Harvest | May 11 | May 11 – Jul 27 |
| Fall Sowing | October 11 | Oct 11 – Oct 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
293 days in Refugio County
Growing Tips for Anise in Refugio County
Direct sow Anise outdoors after February 16 in Refugio County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 103°F in Refugio County, provide afternoon shade for Anise and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Anise in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
With 68" of annual rainfall in Refugio County, ensure good drainage for Anise — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
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
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Anise in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Anise in Refugio County, TX?
Refugio County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 16. Plan your Anise planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Refugio County, TX?
Refugio County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 16 and first fall frost is December 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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