Anise

Anise is a dainty, upright annual herb belonging to the Apiaceae family, reaching approximately 50cm in height. In the UK climate, it is prized for its aromatic seeds which carry a distinct liquorice flavour, though the feathery young leaves are also edible. It produces delicate, flat-topped umbels of tiny creamy-white flowers throughout the height of summer. Because it requires a long, warm growing season to ripen its seeds successfully, it is best sown early under glass in the UK or in a very sheltered, south-facing border. The foliage is light green and highly decorative, resembling a finer version of flat-leaf parsley. It prefers a light, well-drained soil that warms up quickly in the spring. While primarily grown for its culinary seeds used in baking and liqueurs, it also attracts a wide range of beneficial pollinators to the garden. It does not transplant well due to its taproot and should be sown in situ.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Light, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.