key growing information

Growing Anise From Seed

How to grow anise (Pimpinella anisum) from seed: direct sowing, thinning, spacing, sun and soil, and when to harvest the seed heads.
By Hensley’s Seed Co.

Anise - Key Growing Information

Umbels of feathery white anise flowers, which will develop small brown, strongly licorice-flavored seeds.
DAYS TO GERMINATION: Expect seedlings in 6–14 days at 70°F (21°C).

SOWING: Sow directly in the garden. Seed loses viability quickly after about two years, so start with fresh seed. In early spring, plant 1–2 seeds per inch, 1/4" deep. Thin to 6" apart in rows 18" apart once seedlings reach about 3".

LIGHT PREFERENCE: Full sun.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Light, sandy loam of moderate fertility with good drainage.

PLANT HEIGHT: About 24"; staking helps keep plants from flopping.

PLANT SPACING: 6" apart.

HARDINESS ZONES: Grown as an annual.

HARVEST: Plants need at least 130 days to produce ripe seed. Cut the seed heads when the seed tips turn gray, before they darken to black.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pimpinella anisum

Source and attribution

Migrated library resource. Original named people, organizations, research, and factual provenance are retained.