Florida Anise Purple Anise Illicium floridanum 10 Seeds USA Company

Illicium floridanum, commonly known as Florida anise or purple anise, is a species of flowering plant native to the southeastern United States, particularly Florida and Georgia. Florida anise is an evergreen shrub known for its glossy, dark green leaves and attractive maroon to reddish-brown flowers. The leaves have a unique, spicy fragrance that is reminiscent of anise, giving the plant its common name. The flowers appear in early spring and are followed by small, star-shaped fruits that contain seeds. Florida anise is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes, prized for its aromatic foliage, attractive flowers, and tolerance of shady conditions. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can thrive in partial to full shade. Additionally, Florida anise is deer-resistant, making it a popular choice for gardens in areas with deer populations. Hardy in zones 8-10.

Growing Instructions for the Florida Anise

The seeds need to be planted when received or stored in a refrigerator until they are planted. The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Put the seeds in a ziplock bag. 2. Put the bag in the refrigerator and leave it there for 2 months. 3. The seeds like moist soil. Use a sterile seed starter mix, if available. It prevents soil fungi from damaging the seeds and the seedlings. If not available, then make a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. 4. Put the soil in a pot. 5. Sow the seeds ¼ of an inch deep. 6. Water the soil so that it is moist but not wet. 7. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.