When to Plant Anise in Delaware

Growing Anise in Delaware: Complete Guide

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Delaware, the right time to direct sow is around Sunday, April 19, 2026, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.

Because Delaware stretches across 3 USDA hardiness zones (7a, 7b, 8a), planting windows can shift by as much as two to four weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.

With 75 days to maturity, Anise fits comfortably within Delaware's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.

Anise requires full sun (6-8 hours) and moderate (1 inch/week) moisture. Mid-Atlantic summers bring heat and humidity — ensure good air circulation and watch for fungal issues like powdery mildew.

For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Delaware.