Anise

Scientific Name: Pimpinella anisum

USDA Hardiness Zones: N/A (annual)

Approximate number of seeds per gram (ounce) : 210 (6,000)

Sun: full sun

Water: keep soil moderately moist during germination

Soil: sow at 1/8 inch in well-drained soil

Temperature: 18 to 24 degrees Celsius (65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit)

Spacing: 8 to 10 inch spacing in rows about 18 inches apart

Germination Time: 10 to 12 days

Anise is frequently used to impart a licorice flavor to dishes.  The leaves can be used in salads and the seeds are used as a spice.  Use fresh seed as older anise seed (more than a year or two old) tends to have very low germination rates.  Anise performs best when its roots are not disturbed so direct sowing or the used of peat pellets or peat pots is recommended when starting indoors.  Starting anise indoors is recommended is one is looking to harvest seed as a long, warm growing season is necessary to ripen the seeds.