Anise Basil
60d to harvest
Aromatic as a summer breeze, Anise Basil opens with a sweet, licorice-anise fragrance that lingers on the fingertips—then follows with a bright, gently peppery basil flavor. Its leaves are lush and tender, forming an upright, bushy mound with a velvety texture that’s especially prized for fresh bouquets of flavor. Grow Anise Basil for standout use in herb-forward dishes, fragrant sauces, and aromatic garnishes where its distinctive anise note can shine.
Crop Dates
Growing note: In frost-free Zone 10a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | — |
| Climate | Frost-Free Climate |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | Oct 1st |
| Harvest Begins | Nov 30th |
| Harvest Ends | Feb 28th |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 60 |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Support Needed | None |
| Planting Depth | Normal |
| Germination Temp (°F) | 70 |
| Min Soil Temp (°F) | 60 |
| Min Night Temp (°F) | 50 |
| Harden Off (days) | 10 |
Recommended Companions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent and treat downy mildew on anise basil?
Anise basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Anise’) is prone to downy mildew, which shows as pale yellow patches on the upper leaves and a gray-purple growth on the undersides. Remove and discard infected leaves early, improve airflow with wider plant spacing, and water only at the soil line (not on foliage). If it keeps spreading, treat with a labeled downy-mildew fungicide and repeat according to the label, focusing on leaf undersides.
When is anise basil ready to harvest?
Start harvesting around 60 days when plants are well branched and have several mature sets of leaves, usually after they reach about 8–12 inches tall. Pick when leaves are fully sized and fragrant—snip the top 2–6 inches of stems or pinch leaf pairs, leaving enough foliage for regrowth. For best flavor, harvest before flowering; once flower buds form, leaves become more bitter and aroma shifts.