Anise Seed

About Anise Seed

Anise grows well and gives a good yield of seed. It is used in recipes as a spice. However, anise should NOT be ingested when it is used in the form of an essential oil. Soak seeds over night in warm water before planting.
  • Botanical Name: Pimpinella anisum
  • Common Name: Anise Seed
  • Critters: Aphids, cutworms, downey mildew, mice
  • Family: Apiaceae
  • Germination: 20 days
  • Life Cycle: Annual
  • Medicinal: Yes
  • Sunlight: Full sun
  • Maturity: 120 days
  • Non-GMO
  • Plant Food: FoxFarm Big Bloom for Organic Gardening
  • Seed Depth: 1/4-inch
  • Size: 3 feet high, 18 inches wide
  • Spacing: 1 foot
  • Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Companion Plants

Coriander will promote the germination and growth of Anise.

Harvesting Information

It's best to pick leaves during the early morning when they are moist with dew or after a heavy rainfall. This is because the essential oils in the plant are most concentrated at these times as water droplets act like carrier oil molecules, causing them to secrete more of their volatile oils into the atmosphere and onto your hands for easier harvesting.30

Nutritional Data

Pimpinella is another name for the herb we commonly refer to as peppermint (Mentha piperita). In fact, you can use both terms interchangeably because they essentially mean the same plant. The main difference between these two plants and their essential oils is that peppermint oil contains much higher levels of menthol than Pimpinella anisum does.

Pimpinella anisum (anise) can boost your digestive system and improve the quality of your sleep at night. It also has antiviral properties for treating colds or flu symptoms. Peppermint essential oils have a high content of menthol which is used to treat various conditions like indigestion and IBS. However, there's not much else in terms of nutrition as it doesn't provide many other vitamins, minerals, or nutrients.30

Recipes With Anise

Selection & Storage

Keep at room temperature.

Usage Tips

Health Benefits

  • Asthma, bronchitis, cough
  • Digestive issues
  • Diuretic
  • Expectorant
  • Lice, psoriasis, scabies
  • Pain relief
  • Seeds are a source of anise oil
  • Toothache