When to plant anise in Iowa
Iowa spans USDA zones 5a–6a, so the right time to plant anise shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about April 12 in Fort Madison to May 1 in Spencer — below are local dates for 42 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | 5b | April 18 | October 20 | April 18 – May 2 |
| Cedar Rapids | 5b | April 27 | October 11 | April 27 – May 11 |
| Davenport | 5b | April 19 | October 22 | April 19 – May 3 |
| Sioux City | 5a | April 29 | October 7 | April 29 – May 13 |
| Iowa City | 5b | April 21 | October 18 | April 21 – May 5 |
| Ankeny | 5b | April 23 | October 15 | April 23 – May 7 |
| West Des Moines | 5b | April 18 | October 20 | April 18 – May 2 |
| Ames | 5b | April 26 | October 8 | April 26 – May 10 |
Anise in Iowa: FAQ
When can I plant anise in Iowa?
Across Iowa, the time to direct-sow anise spans roughly April 12 in Fort Madison to May 1 in Spencer, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the anise planting date vary across Iowa?
Yes. Iowa publishes 42 cities with their own frost dates, so the right anise planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does anise take to grow in Iowa?
Anise takes about 100–120 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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