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When to Plant Anise in Accomack County, VA

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

Accomack County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.

At an elevation of 659 feet, Accomack County receives approximately 45.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Anise during the growing season.

Accomack County, VA (Zone 8a) Moderate season
195 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
195 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28
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Accomack County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-7

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 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Accomack County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Anise Planting Timeline — Accomack County, VA

Anise Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 12 Mar 12 – Mar 26
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Direct Sow April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 23
Harvest July 9 Jul 9 – Sep 24
Fall Sowing August 19 Aug 19 – Sep 2

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Fall Sowing Harvest
October
November
December
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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 8a

📆 Growing Season

195 days in Accomack County

Growing Tips for Accomack 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 Accomack County, VA?

Accomack County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Anise planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Accomack County, VA?

Accomack County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 28.

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Your Accomack County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Accomack County (Zone 8a). 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 Accomack County, VA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.