Can you grow store bought star anise?
It’s possible, but there are some things to consider first.
Here’s what you need to know before trying to grow this spice at home.
Growing Star Anise trees from seed is simple if you have fresh seeds that have not been treated. They germinate best if planted within three days of harvesting. In the fall, purchase seeds from a reputable vendor while they are still fresh.
Did you know that you can grow your own star anise?
Star anise is a popular spice used in many Asian dishes, and it’s easy to see why.
The spice has a strong, licorice-like flavor that can add a unique depth of flavor to any dish.
Choosing the Right Seeds
The first step in growing your own star anise is to choose the right seeds.
You can either purchase seeds from a reputable vendor or collect them yourself if you know someone who has a star anise plant.
Finding seeds for growing your own star anise can be difficult but, after some research we’ve found good quality seeds on Amazon that grow reliably with the right care.
[amazon box=”B08T1KJNQY” template=”horizontal”]
Once you have your seeds, it’s time to plant them.
Planting star anise seeds
Star anise seeds can be planted either indoors or outdoors.
If you live in an area with a warm climate, then you can plant your seeds outdoors.
Otherwise, it’s best to plant them indoors where they can be protected from the cold weather.
1. Start by soaking your star anise pod in water overnight. This will help soften the hard outer shell.
2. Plant the soaked pod in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix.
3. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot.
4. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
5. After a few months, you should see new shoots emerging from the pod. These can be transplanted into individual pots.
6. Once the plants are established, they will produce small star-shaped fruits that can be harvested and used as spice.
To plant your seeds, fill a pot with well-draining potting mix and plant the seeds about ½ inch deep.
Once you’ve planted your seeds, water them well and place the pot in a warm, sunny spot.
The seeds should germinate within two to three weeks.
Caring for your star anise plant
Once your star anise seeds have germinated, it’s time to start caring for your plants.
Water your plants regularly, making sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
When the weather is warm, you can fertilize your plants every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
As your plants grow, you may need to transplant them into larger pots.
In the fall, your plants will start to produce star-shaped fruits.
These fruits are the star anise that you can use for cooking.
To harvest the fruits, cut them from the plant with a sharp knife.
Once you’ve harvested your star anise, you can store it in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
Final Words
With a little patience, you can easily grow your own star anise.
The hardest part is finding the right seeds, but once you have them, the rest is easy.
Just make sure to water your plants regularly and give them plenty of sunlight.
Before you know it, you’ll be harvesting your own star anise and using it to add flavor to your favorite dishes.
