Anise, also called Aniseed, is a sweet, aromatic annual in the parsley family. The leaves and flowers are lacy, delicate, and delicious, and plants can grow 2'-3' tall. With a fresh licorice flavor, use as you would Tarragon and Fennel in both savory meat and vegetable dishes, salads and dressings, and sweet baked goods, such as biscotti. Chew the seeds for a natural breath freshener and digestif. Its aromatic seeds are also used for cooking and herbal medicine. You may be familiar with the anise flavor if you've had absinthe, as anise seeds are the basis for this famous alcoholic beverage. 

As a companion plant, it attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, and repels aphids, cabbage moths, cabbage white fly, cabbage worms, slugs, and snails, but is strangely irresistible to bears, deer, dogs, and mice.

As a medicinal herb, Anise has been used internally to treat bad breath, bloating, constipation, cough, flatulence, hot flashes, indigestion, lack of appetite, migraine headaches, and upset stomach, and externally to treat bronchitis, eye pain, and swelling. 

⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally.

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Pimpinella anisum
• Life cycle: Herbaceous annual
• Hardiness zones: 4-9
• Planting season: Spring
• Days to maturity: 75-120 days; can begin harvesting when 6" tall
• Depth to plant seeds: 1/4" deep
• Days to germinate (sprout): 10-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 65F-70F
• Spacing between plants: 12"-18" apart
• Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Soil types: Sandy, loamy, medium dry, well-drained
• Soil pH: 6.0-7.3
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Water needs: Light - do not overwater
• Cold stratify: No
• Frost tolerant: No
• Heat tolerant: No
• Drought tolerant: Yes
• Bear resistant: No
• Deer resistant: No
• Dog resistant: No
• Mouse resistant: No
• Culinary use: Yes
• Medicinal use: Yes

Good Companion Plants: Bean, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Cilantro/Coriander, Collards, Fava Bean, Kale, Mustard

📚 Anise Grow Guide