anise

Anise is a classic culinary herb grown for its highly aromatic seeds, prized for their distinctive sweet, licorice-like flavor. A staple in traditional baking and spice blends, anise adds depth to breads, cookies, and teas, as well as select savory dishes.

The plant features delicate, feathery foliage and produces clusters of small white flowers that develop into flavorful seeds. Easy to grow in warm, sunny conditions, anise performs best when direct sown and left undisturbed. As the plants mature, seed heads can be harvested and dried for long-term culinary use. It also attracts beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition to herb and vegetable gardens. Packet includes approximately 140–150 seeds.

Anise
Pimpinella anisum

Sun:
• Full sun

Height:
• 18–24 inches | 45–60 cm

Spread:
• 12–18 inches | 30–45 cm

Life Cycle:
• Annual

Sowing Method:
• Direct sow outdoors after last frost; does not transplant well

Difficulty:
• Easy | Warm-season herb with reliable growth

Uses:
• Culinary herb, baking, teas, spice blends, companion planting

Growing Zones:
• 3–10