Anise in Zone 2a & 2b
Pimpinella anisum
When to plant anise in zone 2b
Zones 2a and 2b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Anise doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 20–May 27 |
| Estimated harvest | Sep 27–Oct 4 (~130 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1.5-2 ft.
Anise is a licorice-flavored seed herb that needs a long season, at least 130 days, to mature its seed, so it's worth planting as early as the last frost allows rather than waiting.
How anise fits zone 2's season
Zone 2b's frost-free window runs about 104 days, from May 20 to September 1. Anise needs about 130 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Anise.
Where to buy anise seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a genuine consensus of positive, independent reviews. See the sources cited on each item.
See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing anise" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 2b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
Pin this for later
Growing Anise in USDA zone 2b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
Save to Pinterest