How to grow angelica

How to sow angelica seeds

Sow seeds in autumn or late spring in modules or directly into the soil. Sow onto the surface of the soil or compost as the seeds need light to germinate.

How to plant angelica

Plant angelica into soil with plenty of organic matter and water well until established. Ideally, plant angelica out as young plants in spring. They have deep tap roots and suffer if moved.

How to care for angelica

Angelica needs little care once it’s established. It may require watering in dry periods, and pot-grown angelicas will need regular watering.

How to propagate angelica

Angelica can be propagated by seed or division. Save seed from faded flowerheads and sow them fresh in autumn or save them over winter to sow in spring. Alternatively, cut back the stems and dig up the plant in the autumn of its second year, dividing the roots with a sharp knife. Repot these divisions into compost or directly into the soil where they are to grow. Water well.

How to prune angelica

Deadhead after flowering to encourage plants to come back the following year.

Pests and diseases

Young seedlings and plants are good fodder for slugs and snails so they should be protected accordingly. Plants may be susceptible to powdery mildew in dry weather, so keep them well watered. Aphids often cluster around the flowerheads. This isn't usually a problem, but if they are affecting growth you can blast them off with a hose, but do check for beneficial predators like ladybirds or their larvae (which eat aphids) before you do this.

Harvesting angelica

If you want to make your own candied angelica, pick the tender young stems in spring, before June. Take care as the sap from angelica, as with all members of this genus, can be an irritant and burn the skin in sunlight.

Storing, preparing and using angelica

There are various recipes for candying angelica, but essentially, stems need to be cut into small lengths around 4cm long and blanched in a sugar syrup. After drying they can be stored in air tight jars.

Fresh stems also make a tasty addition to stewed fruit, and angelica seeds can be used to flavour liqueurs. Angelica is often added to rhubarb, for example in rhubarb and custard dishes, and also to jams.

Varieties to grow

Angelica archangelica – this is the most common variety. It bears large lime green flowerheads and seed pods, contrasting with pink-flushed stems. All parts of the angelica plant have traditionally been considered to be healing and beneficial to the stomach. The flowers are attractive to pollinators and the seeds are eaten by birds.

• Buy Angelica archangelica from Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants

Angelica gigas – also known as Korean angelica this variety is more commonly grown for its ornamental qualities. It shares the same architectural qualities as Angelica archangelica, but the domed flower heads that appear in late summer are a beautiful rich purple. These are extremely attractive to pollinators, and make good cut flowers. As a biennial, Angelica gigas will die after setting seed.

• Buy Angelica gigas from J.Parker's

Angelica sylvestris 'Vicar's Mead' – the wild species is smaller and less imposing, but the variety 'Vicar's Mead' is striking, with dark purple stems and leaves, and pink flowerheads.

• Buy Angelica sylvestris 'Vicar's Mead' from Crocus

Frequently asked questions

Is angelica easy to grow?

Angelica is easy to grow provided it is given moist, well-drained, deep soil, preferably in partial shade.

What is the flavour of angelica?

Angelica is said to have an earthy, slightly bitter flavour.