When to Plant Anise in Ferry County, WA
Top priorities for Ferry County, Washington gardeners in May
Welcome to May in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Time to transplant anise
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- Starting indoors: anise
Anise is an annual herb grown for its licorice-flavored seeds and leaves. The seeds are used in baking, liqueurs, and traditional medicine worldwide.
Ferry County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 3,990 feet, Ferry County receives approximately 18.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Anise to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Anise successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Ferry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.4
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 Ferry County
How your county's soil matches Anise's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.4) overlaps with Anise's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ferry County is excellent for Anise — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Anise.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Anise will thrive.
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 | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.7" | 1.2" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 1.7" | 0.7" | 1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 1.7" | 0.3" | 1.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 1.7" | 0.4" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 1.7" | 0.7" | 1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Ferry 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 — Ferry County, WA
Anise Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | August 2 | Aug 2 – Oct 18 |
| Fall Sowing | July 16 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
137 days in Ferry County
Growing Tips for Anise in Ferry County
Direct sow Anise outdoors after May 10 in Ferry 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 Ferry County, WA?
Ferry County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Anise planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ferry County, WA?
Ferry County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 24.
Your Ferry County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ferry 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.