sweet cicely
sweet cicely or Myrrhis odorata
Native to the north of England, the bright green lacy foliage of this herb has a rich aniseed flavour that is used to add sweetness to fruit dishes, as well as add interest to savoury recipes. The thick tap root is also edible, and can either be cooked as a vegetable or eaten raw.
Sweet cicely is also a pretty plant for the kitchen garden or wild border, the clusters of white flowers, which appear in early summer, are attractive to bees and other beneficial pollinators.
Sweet cicely is also a pretty plant for the kitchen garden or wild border, the clusters of white flowers, which appear in early summer, are attractive to bees and other beneficial pollinators.
How to care for Myrrhis odorata:
Plant sweet cicely in a sunny or lightly shaded spot with moist, fertile, well-drained soil, adding compost at planting. Water regularly during the first season to help it root in, then keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulch each spring to hold moisture and support fresh leafy growth. Remove any damaged or untidy stems in early summer and deadhead if you want to reduce self-seeding, as the plant can spread freely in good conditions.
Once established it needs little attention, returning reliably each year with anise-scented foliage and early flowers, and it remains long-lived with only occasional division if clumps become congested.
Once established it needs little attention, returning reliably each year with anise-scented foliage and early flowers, and it remains long-lived with only occasional division if clumps become congested.
Sowing instructions:
Sow directly into a well-prepared seedbed in autumn, watering freely and thinning the plants to 25cm (10in) intervals as they grow and if necessary transplant in the spring. Alternatively keep the seed for 4 weeks in the fridge and then sow it into pots in spring, allowing just one seed per pot. When large enough to handle, plant them outside after all risk of frost has passed. It self-seeds freely so dead-head regularly if you do not want more to come.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
2m
Eventual spread:
1.5m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
approx 5 seeds
£2.49
In stock
(delivery within 2-3 working days)
(delivery within 2-3 working days)
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