Grow Angelica herbs, from freshly harvested Angelica archangelica seeds. Angelica is a fragrant flowering herb that grows to a mature height of roughly 4 to 5 feet tall. The plants spread to a width of about 2 feet wide and display small greenish, yellow flowers through the summer months. The flowers form in clusters, or umbels, resembling Fennel or Queen Anne’s Lace. These herbs have both culinary and medicinal uses, however they seem to be used more in medicine. Angelica is commonly used in tea to treat the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, nervous system, and also to treat against fever, infections, and flu.
Categorized as a biennial flowering herb, Angelica archangelica will grow quickly within the first growing season, establishing a deep root system. The plants will later wither with the first frost, but will return the following Spring when all danger of frost has passed. The flowers will form in the second year of growth, as will its seeds and small fruits. The seeds can be collected from spent flower heads at the end of the Autumn season, to regrow the following year. If started early enough, some plants can successfully flower within 1 growing season.
Because Angelica herbs are fragrant, they will attract an array of insects to the garden, such as butterflies, bumblebees, honeybees and more. The plants tall growth can be troublesome in some gardens, but they can easily be placed as a backdrop plant, as to not disrupt other low growing plants.
Quick Facts
- Type: Herb
- Season: Biennial
- Heirloom: Yes
- Color: Green / White
- Height: 4′ – 5′ Tall
- Harvest: 365 Days
- Uses: Medicinal & Culinary
- Environment: Full sun, prefers partial shade
Sowing The Seed
Angelica seeds are best established indoors, in a controlled environment. Sow the seeds in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost, at a depth of 1/8″ under topsoil. Allow the top of the seeds to be slightly visible, since they will require a bit of direct light to germinate properly. Transplant entire pots outdoors, or direct sow your seeds when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed.
Growing Conditions
Angelica plants will thrive in shady, woodland areas, with temperatures of at least 65F. The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter. You should also keep the soil fairly moist, since Angelica herbs tend to grow near streams and running water. This can be done by consistently misting the soil with a spray bottle or mist setting on the garden hose.
Germination & Growth
Angelica seeds typically take anywhere between 7 to 21 days to germinate, if conditions are ideal. The plants can easily grow to a height of 4 to 5 feet tall, and can spread 2 feet wide. They can be spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart from one another. The plants are categorized as biennials and will successfully grow from seed to flower within 2 or 3 growing seasons. For plump roots, harvest after the flowers form.