Do you want to grow your own star anise?
Star anise is a beautiful and fragrant plant that can be grown in almost any climate. It’s easy to care for, so it makes the perfect addition to any garden or landscape. You don’t need much space either – just enough room for a small tree!
If you love cooking with spices as we do, then growing your own star anise will make all of your meals even more delicious. Plus, it smells amazing when you brush up against its leaves! Planting this tree is also a great way to get rid of pests and other unwanted creatures from your yard. They won’t come near this plant because they know how dangerous it can be! So what are you waiting for? Grow some star anise today!
Star Anise (Illicium verum)
When is the best time of the year to plant Star Anise
The best time to plant Star Anise is in the Spring when the ground has thawed. It will need 10 weeks of frost-free growing before it can be harvested again. Star Anise grows well in all climates, making it ideal for most regions. The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and requires some form of support. Star anise is a small evergreen bush that grows in regions with a Mediterranean climate. It is not difficult to grow and after the harvesting process is complete, you can replant them for years of flavorful spices.
Where in the Garden Should You Plant Star Anise
Star anise is a great plant for planting along borderlines because it will grow quickly and create a large area of coverage. They can also be planted along fence lines, wild areas, or woodland areas. The plant is also suitable for growing in containers, but it should have ample room to grow due to the need for space and sunlight. Star anise needs well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, and permeable. Fill a hole with the soil that is no more than twice the depth and width of the container. The plant should be planted halfway below the surface and covered with soil until four inches remain from the rim of the container. Water it thoroughly after planting, and then you can just maintain its growth by pruning off any dead leaves or branches that may appear.
How Often Should I Watering Star Anise
The answer to this question can vary depending on the climate and the health of the plant. Generally, you should water star anise when it appears wilted or leaves are browning. If it is a hot, dry climate, you may need to water more often. If the plant is not doing well, you may need to water less often. You can also check the soil moisture by sticking your finger in the soil. If the top 2 inches of soil are dry, then it is time to water.
Watering star anise will help the soil stay moist, which will keep it from drying out. Do not allow the soil to dry out quickly; this can lead to browning or dying. If star anise is getting too much water, then leaves may become yellow or turn brown and drop off. This happens because too much moisture causes root rot.
To avoid overwatering, it is important to know how much water your soil can hold. You can do this by doing a soil test. A soil test will tell you the type of soil, water-holding capacity, and pH of your soil. Once you know this information, you can adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
It is also important to fertilize your star anise. Fertilizing will help the plant grow and produce more fruit.
When and How to Harvest Star Anise
The best time to harvest star anise is when the fruit has turned from green to brown. The fruit should be harvested when it is dry and brittle. The pods can be removed from the stem by gently pulling on them. The pods can then be dried in a warm, dry place for several days. The pods are then ready for use or storage.
The stems can be harvested at the same time as the fruit is harvested, but they are usually left on to mature since they are an excellent source of shikimic acid. The stems are not very useful in culinary applications, so there is no need to remove them unless they become unsightly.
The best way to harvest star anise is by using a sharp knife to remove the fruit from the stem. The fruit can then be dried in a warm, dry place for several days. The fruit is then ready for use or storage.
If you are harvesting the stems, you can use a sharp knife to cut them from the shrub and dry them. You should make the cut right above a set of leaves since this is where the stem begins branching off from the main stem.
If you are harvesting both stems and fruit, it is best to harvest the fruit first and then wait several weeks before harvesting the stems because the stems will be easier to harvest after all the fruit has been removed.
Different Ways to Store Star Anise
One of the easiest ways is to store your star anise in a container with a lid and keep it in a cool, dry place like your pantry. If you end up chopping your star anise before storing it, make sure you give pour some vegetable oil on top of it which will help moisture from getting inside and making things worse!
This way may not be perfect for those of us who use star anise sparingly, as it might take up some valuable space in our spice cabinet.
Another way to store star anise is in the fridge. This will help keep it fresh for a longer period of time, but you have to be careful that you don’t freeze it. If you do, the star anise will become hard and won’t break down as easily when cooking. And your tea might come out tasting like licorice because the star anise has such a strong flavor!
This way may not be so great for those of us who don’t have a ton of fridge space, but if you do have the room to spare, it’s a good option.
The third way to store star anise is in the freezer. This will keep it fresh for the longest amount of time, but you have to be careful not to freeze it solid, as that will ruin its flavor.
If you’re like me and you go through star anise-like crazy, maybe you’ll want to turn this option into a habit.
Other things of interest about Star Anise
- tall shrub with blue flowers and dark berries
- fruits taste very similar to anise, fennel, or licorice
- found natively growing in parts of China and Japan
- each pod contains a number of seeds surrounded by a sweet, flavored oil
- outer shell contains a natural form of anethole which is what gives the flavor
- used in cooking across Asia and Europe for centuries
- mostly grown in Southern China where it is the second most important spice after black pepper
- used to flavor teas, curries, and other dishes
- can be added to sweet or savory dishes
- has a numbing effect on the mouth
- also used as a traditional remedy for upset stomachs and indigestion
- good companion plant to roses, currants, or other shrubs
Conclusion: Now you have a better idea of how to grow Star Anise. It is a beautiful plant that can be grown in any climate. It is easy to care for, so it makes the perfect addition to any garden or landscape. You don’t need much space either – just enough room for a small tree! Thanks for reading!