Anise Seeds — Pimpinella anisum

This packet contains 100 seeds of anise, Pimpinella anisum, an aromatic annual in the carrot family. It develops fine leaves, small white flower umbels, and ribbed fruits commonly called aniseed.

Sow directly in spring after severe frost risk has passed. Anise forms a taproot and does not respond well to late transplanting. Choose a warm, sunny bed with light, freely draining soil. Make a shallow drill, cover the seeds lightly, water gently, and keep the surface evenly moist until seedlings emerge. Thin plants early rather than allowing them to remain crowded.

Provide full sun, shelter from strong wind, and moderate watering during dry periods. Avoid waterlogged soil and excessive feeding, which can create soft growth. The seed crop needs a sufficiently long, warm season to ripen. Allow flower heads to turn brown and dry, then cut them into a paper bag before the fruits scatter. Finish drying in an airy place and separate the seed from plant debris.

Aniseed has a sweet liquorice-like aroma and is used in baking and spice mixtures. Keep the purchased packet sealed, labelled, cool, dry, and dark until sowing.