Anise Plant Care
Pimpinele anisa St.-Lag.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pimpinella anisum, commonly known as anise, is easily recognizable by its delicate feathery leaves that emit a sweet licorice scent when crushed. Originating from the Mediterranean region, this herb is highly sought after by plant collectors for its culinary and medicinal uses, as well as its attractive foliage that adds a unique touch to any garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Anise?
Water Anise every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Anise Native To?
What Is the Anise?
Anise (Pimpinele anisa) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Pimpinele genus. Anise is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia. Anise is also known as Aniseed.
Anise displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Anise produces small clusters of white or pink flowers in umbels.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Anise?
Pimpinele anisa requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Anise Need?
Anise thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Anise Prefer?
Pimpinele anisa grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Anise prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Anise?
Rich, well-draining soil with added compost and organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Anise to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Anise?
Feed Anise every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Anise?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Anise?
Anise can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball.
Is the Anise Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Anise, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Anise?
Anise is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Anise Need?
Anise grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Anise is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Anise is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Pimpinele genus (family Apiaceae) — search all Pimpinele species in the plant lookup.
Anise thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pimpinele anisa St.-Lag., family Apiaceae (first published in Ann. Soc. Bot. Lyon vii. (1880) 131.) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Anise, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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