Description Anise is an erect annual herb that reaches 2 feet in height. It's smooth stem supports feathery leaves divided into many leaflets. Many dainty white to yellowish-white flowers grow in sparse umbels during July and August followed by oval hairy, brown, ribbed seeds. Cultivation Anise needs a sunny and sheltered location with well drained and alkaline soil. Sow the seeds in late spring.
Seeds lose their viability after the second year.
Anise requires about 4 months of warm, frost free weather to produce seeds. In a cold damp summer the plant may not survive, but in a warm season Anise grows well and produces plenty of seeds. Germination time is about 1 to 2 weeks. Thin them to 8 inches apart. Do not transplant, so keep well weeded.