Moscow Semko – an early-maturing anise variety with a growing season from 95 to 110 days. The plant is semi-spreading, 65–70 cm tall, has medium-to-high foliage, and is resistant to shattering and weak lodging. Within the first 25–30 days after germination, young leaves can be harvested, valued for their aroma and healing properties.
The plant leaves are round-heart-shaped with a serrated edge, while lower leaves are on long petioles. The flowers are white, with compound umbel inflorescences. To obtain seeds, watering is stopped during flowering, which yields fresh sweet-spicy seeds suitable for cooking, baking, and infusions.
Young leaves are used as an additive to fruit and vegetable salads; immature umbels are used for pickling cucumbers, zucchini, and courgettes. Yield of greens is 1.2–1.5 kg/m², and seeds – about 0.1 kg/m². The variety is cold-hardy, withstands small spring frosts, but does not tolerate overcrowded plantings.
