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Annual Biennial

Pimpinella anisum

aniseed

A bushy annual to around 60cm high, with finely divided, fern-like green leaves that are aromatic when crushed. Broad, dome-shaped heads of tiny white flowers are produced in summer, followed by long pods of seeds which can be used as a spice in cooking

Other common names
amny
sweet cumin
see moreanise
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Apiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Pimpinella can be annuals, biennials or herbaceous perennials with simple or pinnately divided leaves and branched umbels of tiny flowers

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in a sunny position in fertile, moist but well-drained loamy soil. Plants may need staking to keep seed pods off the ground (see staking: perennials)

Propagation

Propagate by seed, ideally sown in situ after risk of frosts has passed, as plants dislike transplanting and root disturbance. In areas where the season is not long enough for seeds to ripen, plants may be started under glass in individual pots, though it is best to sow extra to allow for losses in planting out

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and mice

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and downy mildews

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