Anise [Pimpinella anisum]

The annual anise is a heat-loving and very versatile spice and medicinal plant that is reminiscent of licorice. It is effective against many ailments. It is often used as a spice, in meat dishes, Christmas baking, for spirits, oils, teas and much more. Ideal for direct sowing, no pot cultivation, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed cultivation, harvesting the seeds.

 Description 
Anise is an annual, versatile spice and medicinal plant from the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor. Albania and Croatia are the original home of the 4000-year-old spice plant and it was already used by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. The frost-sensitive plant prefers warm temperatures and thrives particularly well in sunny locations with humus-rich and calcareous soil. The traditional species has a very characteristic scent and a sweet-tart taste reminiscent of liquorice. After flowering in summer, the plant develops oil-containing seeds that are used as a spice for bread seasoning mixes, meat dishes, in Christmas baking, for spirits, oils, teas and much more. The digestive effect is particularly evident in the classic culinary and medicinal combination with fennel and caraway. It is often used to relieve stomach aches and colds because of its health-promoting effects.

 General information 
Plant family: Apiaceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 90 days
Plant height approx.: 70 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to 3°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6 to 8

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 1 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-25 °C
Germination time: 7-28 days
Plant and row spacing: 20x30 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 3-4 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Pea, Cucumber, Lettuce, Carrot, Bean, Tomato, Cabbage, Coriander, Good King Henry
Unfavorable mixed culture: Hyssop

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from March to September is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is warm and sunny.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from mid-May to July is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is warm and sunny.

 General recommendations 
It can take up to 4 weeks for the seeds to germinate. To shorten the germination time and promote growth, adding coriander seeds when sowing is a simple and effective way. Direct sowing in rows is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Anise ideally prefers a slightly calcareous soil. It does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
As medium feeders, anise plants only need a moderate supply of nutrients, which can be achieved through a supportive mixed culture. Additional fertilization is then not necessary. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Anise should never dry out completely, regular watering is necessary. Due to the initially slow growth of the plants, it is advisable to regularly weed surrounding herbs. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Pimpinella anisum
English names: Anise
German names: Anis
Portuguese names: Anis
Spanish names: Anís
French names: Anis

 Origin 
Country: Portugal