Anise in Zone 4a & 4b
Pimpinella anisum
When to plant anise in zone 4b
Zones 4a and 4b 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 15–May 22 |
| Estimated harvest | Sep 22–Sep 29 (~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 4's season
Zone 4b's frost-free window runs about 128 days, from May 15 to September 20. 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 →
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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 4b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Anise in USDA zone 4b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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