When is the best time to plant star anise trees?

The star anise tree is a southern Asian tropical tree species, highly respected for its graceful posture and unique leaves. The star anise fruit it produces is the star anise spice we are familiar with, and has high market demand. Therefore, planting star anise trees is very promising. So when is the best time to plant star anise trees? Let’s learn more about it below.

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When is the best time to plant star anise trees?

There is a certain correlation between the planting time and planting location of star anise. Usually in frost-free areas, planting is done between December and January of the following year, while in frost-prone areas, planting should be done around February or March.

What are the requirements for growing star anise trees?

1. Soil

Star anise prefers deep, fertile, loose, well-drained, slightly acidic loam or sandy loam rich in humus. It grows poorly in alkaline soil. The best pH value is between 5.0-5.5.

2. Lighting

The star anise tree is a shade-tolerant tree species, but its light requirements are different at different stages of growth and development. Generally, good shade conditions are needed during the young stage, and sufficient light is required for mature trees.

3. Temperature

Although the star anise tree is a subtropical tree species, it has a certain degree of cold resistance and is highly adaptable. The star anise tree requires a suitable growth temperature range of 20-30℃, the coldest average temperature is above 10℃, the hottest average temperature is 25-28℃, and the frost-free period is more than 315 days.

4. Humidity

Star anise trees prefer to grow in a humid mountain climate environment, with annual rainfall between 1200-2000 mm and evenly distributed. The relative humidity of the air should be kept above 80%.

5. Nutrients

The nutrient requirements of the star anise tree are mainly related to the growth stage. During the seedling stage, the star anise tree mainly needs nitrogen fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer, which are generally applied every 15-20 days until the seedlings grow new branches. For mature star anise trees, fertilization is required twice a year. The first fertilization is carried out in spring, mainly applying compound fertilizer or organic fertilizer containing multiple elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to promote flower bud differentiation. The second fertilization is carried out in autumn. At this time, fertilizers with high content of elements such as phosphorus and potassium should be used to enhance the star anise tree's resistance to adversity and improve its cold resistance.

Planting techniques and management points of star anise seedlings - Copyright of the picture belongs to all">

In general, star anise trees can be planted mainly in winter and spring. When planting, it is necessary to improve the temperature, humidity, light and other planting conditions according to their growth habits, so as to promote high yield of star anise trees.