Anise Seeds

Originally native to the eastern Mediterranean region, Common Anis is a plant with a long history of medicinal and culinary uses. The Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Chinese have made extensive use of the spice, but it was really during the Middle Ages that anis became popular in most of Europe. Anis is commonly grown for its brown seeds that have a sweet licorice flavour, often added to cakes, breads and pastries and is used in absinthe and pastis, as well as tea remedies.

The plants can be grown in containers or in the garden and will reach 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, depending on the growing conditions. Blooming occurs in mid to late summer and the tiny, fragrant white flowers that grow in clusters on top of the stems will quickly turn into delicious edible seeds. The feathery leaves can be consumed as well and the taste is similar but not as strong as the seeds. The younger leaves are the most tender and they can be used as a garnish on salads, soups and stews. They pair well with dill, parsley and basil to season meat, fish or vegetable dishes.

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Anise is an internationally popular herb whose seeds lend a pleasant licorice flavour to baked goods and herbal teas. Not to be confused with star anise or anise hyssop, a mint relative, Pimpinella anisum is a beneficial herb that can easily be grown by the home gardener.

Anise doesn’t take very well to transplanting, it would fare best sown directly into the garden. It is possible to start indoors ahead of time, if the growing season is abbreviated in your region. Consider compostable peat or coco pots to avoid root disruption when it comes time to transplant. Ultimately it will take 120 warm growing days to produce the desired seeds, so plan accordingly.

Choose a site that receives plenty of sun. Prepare a garden bed of loose, well-drained soil and add compost if needed. Plant the seeds 1 cm deep and about 30 cm apart. Water well and keep moist until germination. The soil will need to be 21 degrees in order for the seeds to sprout. With ideal conditions, expect germination in about 2 weeks time.

Throughout the growing season anise won’t require much fertilizer, just keep your plants moist and warm. It is a fabulous companion plant because it attracts beneficial insects and deters harmful pests like nematodes. Mice, however, are attracted to the fragrance of the seeds. Don’t let the seed heads droop to the ground and store seeds securely after harvest. The plant itself won’t return the next year in cold regions but will reseed and spread if left to overwinter. 

QUICK FACTS

- Native to the Mediterranean, Anise has been cultivated throughout Egypt and the Middle East for thousands of years.

- Anise seeds will remain viable for 3 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.