Planting Anise for Anise Seed

Anise is an annual continental herb grown for its seeds, which are used chiefly in flavoring, but also in perfumes and confectionery products. The seeds have a wonderful warm flavor, perfect in baking, but it has also been used to treat colic. The fresh leaves of anise can be used as a garnish for salads. The plants themselves will be several feet high when they reach full maturity and will have an anise-aroma. Their leaves are willowy and light as they put on flowers that will produce their rich seeds. You can harvest leaves throughout the season as a garnish and harvest the seeds in the fall.

Given the fact that anise self-sown seeds and could end up all over the neighborhood, it is surprising how difficult it can be to get started in general garden conditions. The seeds take some time to germinate, unlike radishes that pop out of the ground the same week you plant them. Even after anise seed germinates it takes several weeks to really get growing and holding its own amidst the weeds that inevitably show up.

A solution to this problem is to plant the anise seed in little pots on a sunny kitchen window ledge or in a window greenhouse if you are fortunate enough to have one facing south for plenty of light. Here you can keep a close eye on the tiny anise plants, never allowing the pots to dry out. When the anise reaches 2-3 inches transplant them to the garden.

To plant anise seed, the soil should be sandy loam. Sow the anise seed when the frost passes, thickly, in clusters about 1 foot apart. Plant them in about 1/2 inch to 1 inch deep. Thin them to 3 inches when they are about 3 to 4 inches high. Gather the seed when it is ripe, generally late in the summer.

When you are ready to harvest your anise, gather some trays or sheets on which to dry the stems of the anise plant. Harvest the stems with the seeds in the open seed pods. Lay the stems on the tray or sheet and allow them to dry for a few days. A dry, warm environment is best. As the stems begin to dry, you will be able to shake the stems gently over the tray to release the seeds. The seeds will be captured on the tray and ready to store. Store the seeds in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to ensure that your anise seeds stay fresh throughout the year.

If you are in a hurry and need your anise more quickly, you can certainly Anise seed for your cooking needs. You can buy anise seed in bulk from many reputable online retailers and probably your local store.