Anise Growing Guide
Anise is a great next step in your growing journey. Follow this guide from planting to harvest and you'll do great.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Moderate
Category
Herb
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Frost Tolerance
Frost Tender
Growing Zones
Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Plant Family
Apiaceae
Growing Season
Warm Season
Plant Lifecycle
Annual
Also grows well as
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
7 Days After Last Frost
Last Chance to Plant
30 Days Before First Frost
When should you plant Anise?
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Your Anise Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Anise's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 7–14 days
Growing Tips
- 1Plant anise in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, as it thrives in full sunlight.
- 2Water the plants regularly but avoid overwatering; the soil should be kept moist but not soggy.
- 3Space the plants about 12 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
- 4To manage pests, use natural remedies like neem oil or introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs to control aphids.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~120
Days to Maturity
90 cm
Mature Height
60 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Mature Plant
Step 4
Harvesting
Harvest Window
30 days
When to Pick
Cut seed heads when dry
How to Harvest
- 1Harvest anise when the seeds turn grayish-brown and the umbels are dry, typically in late summer or early fall.
- 2Cut the entire umbel with scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
- 3To ensure continued growth, leave some umbels on the plant to mature and self-seed.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Saving seeds from your Anise plant is simple and rewarding! Once the flowers have faded and the seed heads turn brown, snip them off and place them in a paper bag to dry for about a week. Gently shake the bag to release the seeds, then separate out any plant debris. Store your clean, dry seeds in a labeled envelope or glass jar in a cool, dark place—this keeps them fresh for next season. With just a little care, you’ll have your own homegrown Anise seeds ready to plant, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to keep your garden growing year after year!
Seed Production
