When and how to sow matalauva seeds?

The plant known by the name of Matalauva, anise or sweet herb, is a herbaceous native to Asia that is grown in places that enjoy a temperate climate, such as Spain, which is the country where the most appreciated anise is made.

It gives off a very pleasant aroma, and it is also very easy to grow. Do you dare to have this herb in your garden or patio?

Matalauva characteristics

Matalauva is a very fast growing annual herbaceous plant that can reach up to 80cm Tall. It has a single stem which grows upright and which branches up high. The flowers appear grouped in umbel-shaped inflorescences and, once they are pollinated, the fruit is formed, which is oval in shape, and inside which are the seeds. These are recommended to be sown the following spring, as this will give them more time to grow and develop.

Here we explain how you can get a few anise plants in your home 🙂.

How is it sown?

To get an excellent harvest, proceed as follows:

1. The first thing to do is prepare the seedbed by filling it with universal growing medium. As such we can use a plastic seedbed tray, flowerpots, yogurt or milk containers,… in short, whatever we prefer. Of course, it is important that it has at least one hole for water drainage.
2. Next, we will place a maximum of 2 seeds in each pot or socket, right on the surface of the substrate.
3. Afterwards, we cover them with a thin layer of soil, the necessary so that the wind cannot carry them with it.
4. Finally, we water and put the seedbed in an area where it is directly exposed to sunlight.

If we keep the earth moist, but without puddling, will germinate after 1-2 weeks. When they are 5cm high, they can be transferred to individual pots or to the garden, leaving a 15cm distance between plants.

The seeds will be ready to be collected after 2-3 months, when they begin to turn light brown. Once ready, the stems are cut in the morning, and they are put to dry in a well ventilated place.

Enjoy your harvest 🙂.