Anise [Pimpinella anisum]

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

General information
Plant family: Apiaceae
Life Cycle: One year
Days to harvest: 90 days
Plant height approx.: 70 cm
Root Type: Deep Root
Nutrient requirements: Weak Eaters
Water Requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to 3 °C
Location: Sunny
Floor: Permeable, Moist, Calcareous, Humus

PH: 6 to 7.5

Sowing and planting information
Germ Type: Dark germ
Seed Depth: 1 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-25 °C
Germination time: 7-28 days
Planting, row spacing: 20x30 cm

Optimal mixed culture: Pea, Cucumber, Salad, Carrot, Bean, Tomato, Cabbage, Coriander, Good Heinrich
Unfavorable mixed culture: Hyssop

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Sow directly outdoors from March to September.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Sow directly into the open air from mid-May to July. Due to the sensitivity of the seeds, we recommend waiting for the ice saints with the no-till sowing. Pre-cultivation in small pots from April to May is also possible. The plants are separated into the bed from a height of 10cm.

General
The emergence of seeds can last up to 4 weeks. To shorten the germination time and promote growth, adding to the sowing of coriander seeds is an easy and effective way. As a mean eater, anise plants only need a moderate supply of nutrients, which can be achieved through a supportive mixed culture. Additional fertilization is then not required.
He prefers a fully sunny and sheltered location with permeable, calcareous, humus-rich soil. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and well-drained soil, an additional incorporation of biochar and primeval rock flour is recommended.

Type of propagation
Spread occurs via seeds.

Care Plants
The bed in which the anise grows should never dry out completely, regular watering is necessary. Due to the initially slow growth of the plants, we recommend weeding the surrounding herbs regularly.

Germination ability of seeds: 3-4 years

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