Sweet Cicely

Herb
New

• Flowers in : May,June
• Ideal for : Cottage Gardens

Description

Bright green, lacy foliage and pretty, white spring flowers make Sweet Cicely an attractive addition to the back of a shady herb border. The leaves and stems have a naturally sweet, light aniseed flavour that goes particularly well with rhubarb and gooseberry dishes. Harvest Garden Myrhh as and when required for use in summer drinks, fish dishes and salads. Height: 90cm (36"). Spread: 60cm (24").

Culinary note: Some parts of these flowers are edible. For more details about edible flowers click here.

Sowing Instructions

Sow Sweet Cicely seeds indoors or under glass from March to May in pots or trays of moist seed compost at a depth 1cm (½"). After sowing, keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged, and do not exclude light as this helps germination. Place the seed tray in a propagator at a temperature of 15-20C (64-68F) or seal inside a clear polythene bag until germination which takes 21-28 days.

Growing Instructions

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 7.5cm (3") pots and grow on in cooler conditions. When all risk of frost has passed, gradually acclimatise Sweet Cicely plants to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before planting outdoors. Plant Sweet Cicely at a distance of 45cm (18") apart on any moist, rich fertile soil in dappled shade.

Aftercare

Water Sweet Cicely when necessary to ensure that the soil does not dry out. Harvest Sweet Cicely leaves and stems as required throughout summer. Garden Myrrh is short lived but self-seeds freely if the flowers are not harvested. If seedlings are not required, deadhead faded flowers regularly.