How to Grow Sweet Cicely from Seed: A Comprehensive Guide

Sweet cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is a perennial herb with a delicate, anise-like aroma and a long history of culinary and medicinal uses. It is a valuable addition to any herb garden, providing both beauty and functionality. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to successfully grow sweet cicely from seed.

About Sweet Cicely

Sweet cicely is a member of the Apiaceae family, which also includes parsley, carrots, and celery. It is native to Europe and Western Asia and has naturalized in many parts of North America. The plant typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet and features feathery, fern-like leaves and clusters of small, white flowers. Sweet cicely is hardy to USDA zones 3-7 and prefers to grow in moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.

The entire plant is edible, with a sweet, slightly licorice-like flavor. The leaves can be used fresh or dried in salads, soups, stews, and other dishes. The seeds can be used as a spice or to make tea. The roots can be eaten raw or cooked and are often used in soups and stews. Sweet cicely is also a valuable herb for medicinal purposes, with a history of use in treating a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, respiratory infections, and skin conditions.

Obtaining Sweet Cicely Seeds

Sweet cicely seeds can be purchased from reputable seed suppliers, local nurseries, or online sources. When choosing a seed supplier, look for companies that specialize in heirloom or organic seeds. This will help ensure that you are getting high-quality seeds that have not been treated with chemicals.

Preparing for Seed Sowing

The ideal time to sow sweet cicely seeds is in the fall or early spring. This will allow the seeds to experience a period of cold stratification, which is necessary for germination. Before sowing the seeds, prepare the soil by removing any weeds and incorporating organic matter, such as compost or manure. Sweet cicely prefers a soil pH of 6.5-7.0 and moist, well-drained soil.

Sowing Sweet Cicely Seeds

To sow sweet cicely seeds, follow these steps:

1. Scatter the seeds evenly over the prepared soil surface.
2. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, about 1/4 inch deep.
3. Water the soil gently to settle the seeds and keep them moist.
4. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
5. Germination typically occurs within 2-3 weeks.

Caring for Sweet Cicely Seedlings

Once the seedlings have emerged, provide them with the following care:

1. Water regularly to keep the soil moist.
2. Provide full sun or partial shade.
3. Thin the seedlings to a spacing of 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper growth.
4. Fertilize the seedlings with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

Transplanting Sweet Cicely Seedlings

When the seedlings have developed 4-6 true leaves, they can be transplanted into the garden or into containers. To transplant, carefully dig up the seedlings, being careful not to damage the roots. Space the seedlings 12-18 inches apart in the garden or in containers that are at least 12 inches deep. Water the seedlings thoroughly after transplanting.

Maintenance and Harvesting

Sweet cicely is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Water the plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Weed the area around the plants to prevent competition for water and nutrients. Fertilize the plants once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Sweet cicely is ready to harvest when the leaves are fully developed, typically in the spring or early summer. To harvest the leaves, cut them at the base of the plant. The seeds can be harvested in the fall when they are ripe. To harvest the seeds, cut the seed heads off the plant and place them in a paper bag. The seeds will fall out of the seed heads as they dry.

Conclusion

Growing sweet cicely from seed is a rewarding experience that can provide you with a delicious and versatile herb for your kitchen and medicine cabinet. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully grow sweet cicely from seed and enjoy its many benefits for years to come.

Additional Tips and Resources

• Sweet cicely is a host plant for the black swallowtail butterfly.
• The plant is also attractive to bees and other beneficial insects.
• Sweet cicely can be used as a companion plant for tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables.
• For more information on growing sweet cicely, refer to the following resources:
  • How to Grow Sweet Cicely
  • Growing Sweet Cicely Herbs
  • Sweet Cicely Seeds (Myrrhis odorata) from Wildflowers UK

FAQs

How do I obtain sweet cicely seeds?

Sweet cicely seeds can be purchased from reputable seed suppliers, local nurseries, or online sources. Look for companies that specialize in heirloom or organic seeds to ensure high-quality seeds.

When is the best time to sow sweet cicely seeds?

The ideal time to sow sweet cicely seeds is in the fall or early spring. This allows the seeds to experience a period of cold stratification, which is necessary for germination.

How do I prepare the soil for sowing sweet cicely seeds?

Before sowing the seeds, prepare the soil by removing any weeds and incorporating organic matter, such as compost or manure. Sweet cicely prefers a soil pH of 6.5-7.0 and moist, well-drained soil.

How do I sow sweet cicely seeds?

To sow sweet cicely seeds, scatter them evenly over the prepared soil surface, cover them with a thin layer of soil (about 1/4 inch deep), and water the soil gently to settle the seeds and keep them moist.

How long does it take for sweet cicely seeds to germinate?

Germination typically occurs within 2-3 weeks.

How do I care for sweet cicely seedlings?

Water the seedlings regularly to keep the soil moist, provide full sun or partial shade, thin the seedlings to a spacing of 12-18 inches apart, and fertilize the seedlings with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

When and how do I transplant sweet cicely seedlings?

When the seedlings have developed 4-6 true leaves, they can be transplanted into the garden or into containers. Dig up the seedlings carefully, space them 12-18 inches apart, and water them thoroughly after transplanting.

How do I maintain and harvest sweet cicely plants?

Water the plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather, weed the area around the plants, fertilize the plants once a month with a balanced fertilizer, and harvest the leaves in the spring or early summer when they are fully developed. The seeds can be harvested in the fall when they are ripe.

What are some additional tips for growing sweet cicely?

Sweet cicely is a host plant for the black swallowtail butterfly, is attractive to bees and other beneficial insects, and can be used as a companion plant for tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables.