Plant anise seeds indoors in late winter, 8 weeks before planting outdoors. Use biodegradable pots and maintain a temperature of 70°F for optimal seedling germination. Anise forms a taproot, so repotting or relocation is undesirable after the roots are established. Plant seedlings in the garden in the spring when the weather allows the soil to be worked.
When planting directly, sow anise two weeks before the average date of last spring frost. The growing season of anise is 120 frost-free days.