SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Anise Basil

Basil
Zone 1a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Anise Basil to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of 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: Zone 1a has only 30 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 60-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.
MilestoneDate
Last FrostJun 15th
Growing ApproachProtected Environment Only

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity60
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)10

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Anise Basil in Zone 1a typically begins around Indoor Lights Only. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Anise Basil.

Garden Alerts

Zone 1a has only 30 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 60-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

Recommended Companions

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Taishan Yellow Marigold
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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.
How often should I water anise basil during peak growth?
During the main growing phase, keep the top 1 inch of soil consistently moist but not soggy—typically about 1–2 inches of water per week depending on heat and wind. Water deeply in the morning, letting excess water drain so the root zone doesn’t stay wet overnight. If leaves wilt by midday and feel dry 1 inch down, increase frequency slightly; if the soil stays wet or plants look stunted, cut back.
Botanical illustration of Anise Basil

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.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Anise Basil in Zone 1a typically begins around Indoor Lights Only. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Anise Basil.

Garden Alerts

Zone 1a has only 30 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 60-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 60°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Start indoors warm and transplant only after nights are reliably warm; Anise/Persian basil quickly suffers in cool weather and will lag.