Key Facts
- Annual aromatic herb grown for its seeds
- Native to the eastern Mediterranean and Southwest Asia
- Seeds are used as a spice and for flavoring liqueurs
- Produces white umbrella shaped flower clusters in summer
- Prefers full sun and well drained, fertile soil
- Easily grown from seed sown outdoors or started indoors
- Frost tender and usually grown as an annual in temperate climates
Anise is an annual aromatic herb grown for its licorice scented seeds and summer umbels of white flowers. It is easy to raise from seed but is frost tender so treat as an annual in cooler climates.
Identification
Anise forms clumps of upright stems with finely divided leaves and umbrella shaped clusters of white flowers in summer. Mature plants reach about 12 to 24 inches tall with a modest spread of 6 to 12 inches. The seeds are small, ridged and carry the characteristic licorice aroma used in cooking and liqueurs.
Best uses and where to grow
Grow anise for its seeds in herb beds, kitchen borders and sunny rows where good drainage prevents soggy soil. It performs best in full sun with at least six hours of direct light and suits USDA zones 8 to 11 outdoors. In cooler areas grow it as an annual or start plants indoors to extend the season.
Planting and propagation
Propagate anise from seed sown outdoors after the last hard frost or start seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last frost date. Use fresh seed for best germination and thin seedlings to avoid crowding. Division is not a typical propagation method for this species.
Spacing and planting
Sow seeds in rows or patches and thin young plants so they stand about 6 to 12 inches apart, roughly 15 to 30 centimetres. Maintaining that spacing helps air flow and encourages sturdy stems that support flower umbels and seed production. Avoid dense plantings that encourage disease.
Soil light and watering
Anise prefers well drained, moderately fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH around 6.0 to 7.5 and full sun to light afternoon shade. Avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soils because poor drainage leads to root rot and weak growth. Water moderately and keep soil reasonably even while seedlings establish.
Harvest and after flowering care
Allow flower umbels to mature and dry on the plant to harvest seeds for culinary use and liqueurs. Cut umbels when they turn brown and dry and finish drying indoors if needed. Remove spent plants after seed harvest and clean up debris to reduce pest and disease pressure the following season.
Controlling spread and maintenance
Anise is clump forming with a modest natural spread so it rarely becomes invasive. Thin seedlings to maintain the recommended spacing and pull volunteers if you do not want self-sown plants. Treat as an annual in cool climates and mulch lightly in milder areas to protect root crowns from light chill.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Anise grow?
- Anise typically reaches its mature height of about 12 to 24 inches within a single growing season when sown after the last frost and given full sun and good soil.
- When should I plant Anise?
- Sow seed outdoors after the last hard frost or start indoors four to six weeks before the last frost to get a head start on the season.
- How do I harvest anise seeds?
- Let the flower umbels dry on the plant until brown and papery then cut and collect the dry seed heads. Finish drying indoors if needed before storing seeds in a cool airtight container.
- Is anise safe for pets?
- Seeds are used as a culinary spice and are edible for humans. Essential oil can irritate and concentrated forms should be used with caution. Pets may experience digestive upset after ingestion so verify safety with local poison control or your veterinarian.
- Can I start Anise indoors?
- Yes. Start seeds in pots indoors four to six weeks before the last frost and transplant hardened seedlings after frost risk passes.
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