Plant field guide
Anise
Aromatic annual herb prized for its licorice-flavored seeds used in baking, cooking, and herbal teas. Delicate umbrella-shaped white flower clusters attract beneficial insects.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Pimpinella anisum
- Sun
- full sun
- Water
- moderate
- Height
- 18 in (46 cm) – 24 in (61 cm)
- Spread
- 8 in (20 cm) – 12 in (30 cm)
- Spacing
- 10 in (25 cm)
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 4–9; average annual extreme minimum from -30°F (-34.4°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: August, September.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Direct sow in place — anise does not like to be transplanted. Thin to 10 inches apart. Harvest seeds when they turn grayish-green. Distinct licorice fragrance when leaves are crushed.
Pruning
Harvest seed heads when they turn gray-green and before they shatter. Cut entire umbels and dry in paper bags.
Fertilizer
Light balanced fertilizer
Once at planting
Mulch
Light mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.