Anise is warm-season annual herb. Sow anise in the garden as early as 2 weeks after the average last frost date in spring. Anise requires a long, frost-free growing season of about 120 days.
Description. Anise is a low spreading bright green bushy plant that grows 12 to 24 inches tall and almost as wide. Lower leaves are broad and lobed; upper leaves are feathery. Anise flowers in midsummer, small yellowish-white flowers in umbrella shaped clusters.
Yield. Grow one anise plant per household.
Site. Plant anise in full sun. Anise grows best in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Anise will grow in poor soil. It prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.7.
Planting time. Sow anise in the garden as early as 2 weeks after the average last frost date in spring. Anise requires a long, frost-free growing season of about 120 days.
Planting and spacing. Sow anise seeds ¼ inch; when seedlings are 6 weeks old thin to 12 inches apart. Space rows 18 to 24 inches apart.
Water and feeding. Keep anise regularly and evenly watered through out the growing season and particularly just before harvest. Anise requires no special feeding; side dress plants with age compost at midseason.
Companion plants. Cabbage, grapes; avoid planting with carrots, radishes.
Care. Anise may require staking in windy gardens. Keep planting beds free of weeds.
Container growing. Anise grows easily in containers. Select a container at least 8 inches deep and wide.
Pests. Anise has no serious pest problems. Anise oil is said to repel insects.
Diseases. Anise has no serious disease problems.
Harvest. Snip anise leaves for fresh use as needed. Seeds require more than 100 frost-free days to reach harvest. Collect seed heads while they are still green. Hang them in a warm, dry place to dry; thresh when dry or pasteurize them in an oven at 100°F (38°F) for 15 minutes. Complete the harvest before the first frost in fall.
Storing and preserving. Dried anise seeds can be stored for several months in an airtight container.
Common name. Anise
Botanical name. Pimpinella anisum
Origin. Europe
Easy grow herbs: THE KITCHEN GARDEN GROWERS’ GUIDE
