When to plant anise in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania spans USDA zones 5b–7b, so the right time to plant anise shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 30 in Philadelphia to May 15 in Hermitage — below are local dates for 86 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 7b | March 30 | November 17 | March 30 – April 13 |
| Pittsburgh | 6b | April 18 | October 28 | April 18 – May 2 |
| Allentown | 7a | April 20 | October 24 | April 20 – May 4 |
| Reading | 7a | April 14 | October 29 | April 14 – April 28 |
| Erie | 7a | April 26 | November 4 | April 26 – May 10 |
| Bethlehem | 7a | April 20 | October 24 | April 20 – May 4 |
| Scranton | 6b | April 23 | October 20 | April 23 – May 7 |
| Lancaster | 7a | April 19 | October 24 | April 19 – May 3 |
Anise in Pennsylvania: FAQ
When can I plant anise in Pennsylvania?
Across Pennsylvania, the time to direct-sow anise spans roughly March 30 in Philadelphia to May 15 in Hermitage, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the anise planting date vary across Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania publishes 86 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 Pennsylvania?
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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