Anise, sometimes called aniseed, is a powerfully flavored and scented herb that is most popular for its culinary properties. While the leaves are sometimes used, the plant is most frequently harvested for its seeds that have a remarkable, strong licorice taste to them. Like all culinary herbs, anise is very useful to have on hand near the kitchen, especially in a container. But can you grow anise in a pot? Keep reading to learn more about how to grow anise in a container.
How to Grow Anise in a Container
Can you grow anise in a pot? Yes, you can! Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is very well suited to container life, as long as it has the space to grow. The plant has a long taproot, so it needs to be planted in a deep pot, at least 10 inches (24 cm.) in depth. The pot should be at least 10 inches in diameter to provide room for one or possibly two plants. Fill the container with a growing medium that is well draining, rich, and slightly acidic. A good mixture is one part soil, one part sand, and one part peat. Anise is an annual that lives its entire life in one growing season. It’s a fast grower, however, and can be grown easily and quickly from seed. The seedlings do not transplant well, so seeds should be sown directly in the pot you plan to keep the plant in. Sow several seeds under a light covering of soil, then thin when the seedlings are a couple inches (5 cm.) tall.
Caring for Potted Anise Plants
Container grown anise seed plants are relatively easy to care for. The plants thrive in full sun and should be placed somewhere that receives at least six hours of light per day. Once established, the plants don’t need frequent watering, but keep in mind that containers dry out quickly. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings, but try to keep the plants from wilting. Anise plants are annuals, but their lives can be extended by bringing their containers indoors before the first frost of autumn.
-
Are Amaryllis Plants Poisonous To Cats? How You Can Tell – And What To Grow InsteadThe holiday season is a perfect time to showcase your favorite Christmas blooms, but are amaryllis plants poisonous to cats? Here’s how to keep felines safe and well
-
Reese Witherspoon’s Natural DIY Wreath Beams With Festive Joy – Here’s How She Made ItBe inspired to recreate Reese Witherspoon's beautiful holiday wreath using greenery from your garden with our step-by-step guide to getting the look.
-
Harvesting Anise Seed – When And How To Pick Anise SeedsIf you’re someone who loves anise, there’s nothing easier or more rewarding than growing and saving your own anise seeds to use year round. Click this article to learn more about how to pick anise seeds and preserve them so you can use and enjoy the spice year after year.
-
Common Anise Diseases: How To Treat A Sick Anise PlantWhile it is fairly easy to grow, the anise plant is not without its problems, specifically diseases. It’s important to recognize the symptoms in order to learn how to treat a sick anise plant before a disease progresses to the point of no return. This article will help.
-
Anise Vs. Star Anise – Are Star Anise And Anise Plants The SameLooking for a slightly licorice-like flavor? Star anise or anise seed provide a similar flavor in recipes but are actually two very different plants. A description of their differences will reveal unique origins and how to use these interesting spices. Click here for more info.
-
Aniseed As A Spice – Learn How To Use Anise PlantsAnise is a popular culinary herb easy to grow by seed, but the question is, what to do with aniseed once it’s harvested? How do you use aniseed as a spice, and how about cooking with anise? Click here to learn a few of the many ways of using anise plants.
-
Medicinal Anise Plants – How Is Anise Good For YouAnise is a pretty perennial herb, but it can do more for you than add visual interest to your garden. Growing medicinal anise plants and harvesting the seeds means you can add this natural, herbal remedy to both your kitchen and your medicine cabinet. Learn more in this article.
-
Fennel Vs Anise: What’s The Difference Between Anise And FennelIf you’re a cook who loves the flavor of black licorice, you no doubt commonly use fennel and/or anise seed in your culinary masterpieces. Many cooks use them interchangeably. But are anise and fennel the same? Find out more in this article.
-
Propagating Anise Herbs: How to Propagate Anise PlantsVariety is the spice of life, so it is said. Growing new anise plants will help spice up the ho-hum herb garden while giving dinner a surprising new zip. The question is, how is anise propagated? Click here for information on propagating anise herbs.
-
Does Anise Repel Bugs: Information On Natural Anise Pest ControlCompanion planting with anise attracts certain beneficial insects, and the pest-repellent properties may even protect veggies growing nearby. Click here to learn more about anise pest control and how you can easily grow this beautiful, useful plant.
