How to Grow Star Anise From Seeds
Star anise trees (Illicium verum) grow easily from seed that has been recently harvested and germinate best if they're planted within three days of harvesting. Buy seeds from a reputable seller in fall while they are still fresh.
Star anise trees grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10 and do best with a soil pH between 4 and 6 that's rich in organic matter. They grow in either full sun or part shade.
Warning
Star anise tree seeds purchased at a spice shop or grocery store are not likely to germinate. The seeds need to have been processed for germination.
Preparing and Planting Star Anise Seeds
Carefully preparing and planting the seeds will give the best chance of success. Because they need to be planted soon after harvesting, try to get the process started as soon as you have the seeds. Or, store the seeds in moist sand in a sealed plastic bag or container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Pour seed-starting potting mix into 4- to 6-inch-diameter plastic pots. Fill them to 1 to 1 1/2 inches from the top. Moisten the mix with room-temperature water. Use pots that have drainage holes in them.
Place the seeds into a bowl filled with water. Throw away any seeds that float to the surface. They are not viable. Plant only the seeds that sink to the bottom.
Place two or three seeds per pot on top of the moistened potting mix, spaced evenly apart. Cover the seeds with a 1/4 to 1/2 inch of moistened seed-starting mix. Firm it gently with your fingers to remove air pockets. Set a plastic water or soda bottle with the bottom cut out over the seeds. Leave the screw caps on.
Put the containers in bright, indirect light where temperatures stay around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Moisten the potting mix using a spray bottle with room-temperature water if it begins to dry or set the containers in 1 to 2 inches of room-temperature water for an hour or two. The water will soak up into the germination mix through the holes in the bottoms of the containers.
Remove the screw caps from the tops of the bottles after the seeds germinate. Remove the bottles a week later. The seeds should germinate in one to two months.
Pot the star anise tree seedlings up in individual 6- to 8-inch pots when they are 3 to 4 inches tall. Use pots with drainage holes. Pot them up using peat-based potting soil. Set them in bright, indirect light and water them with room-temperature water when the top of the potting soil begins to dry.
Grow the star anise plants in their containers for one year. Repot them into containers 1 inch larger when they become pot-bound or when you can see the roots through the drain holes in the bottom of the container. Set them outdoors during the day in the summer when there is no danger of frost and the weather is calm and pleasant. Put them in bright shade in an area that is protected from strong winds. Continue to water them when the top of the soil begins to dry.
Plant them outdoors in their permanent positions the following spring after any danger of frost has passed. Begin to get them used to direct sunlight two weeks before planting. Start with an hour of direct morning sunlight and increase the duration by 30 minutes or so every two days. Water them when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. Plant multiple trees 15 to 20 feet apart. Water them generously right after planting and continue to water them as often as necessary to keep the soil lightly moist.
Tip
Evergreen star anise trees grow 25 to 50 feet tall and bloom in spring and summer, so choose a spot with enough room for the plant to grow. Their star-shaped seed pods ripen in September or October.
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Writer Bio
Reannan Raine worked for 30 years in the non-profit sector in various positions. She recently became a licensed insurance agent but has decided to pursue a writing career instead. Ms. Raine is hoping to have her first novel published soon.
