Sweet Cicely (Shepherd’s Needle, British Myrrh, Licorice Candy) (Myrrhis odorata) - Sweet Cicely is a hardy, long-lived perennial herb prized for its naturally sweet, anise-licorice flavour and wide range of traditional culinary and medicinal uses. Plants grow 2–3 feet tall and form soft, fern-like foliage that is both ornamental and aromatic. In late spring to early summer, Sweet Cicely produces delicate white umbels of flowers that are highly fragrant and attractive to pollinators. Fresh leaves are commonly used in salads, fruit dishes, and desserts to add sweetness without sugar. The seeds can be incorporated into pastries or sprinkled over salads, while the peeled roots may be grated and eaten raw or lightly steamed as a vegetable. Traditionally, teas made from the leaves have been used as a gentle digestive tonic and mild laxative.
Sweet Cicely prefers moist, well-drained soils and performs best in partial shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and herb gardens where many culinary herbs struggle.
Requires a cold period for germination
25 seeds per packet
Planting Instructions: Sweet Cicely seeds require cold stratification to germinate. Mix seeds with lightly moistened peat moss or vermiculite and place in a covered container or sealed bag in the refrigerator for 10–12 weeks before sowing.
After stratification, sow seeds ¼ inch deep in a prepared seed bed or pots and keep soil consistently moist. Germination is slow and may take 30 days or longer, so patience is essential. Transplant or thin seedlings to a final spacing of 24 inches apart.
Plant in full sun to partial shade, with best growth occurring in partial shade and evenly moist soils. Once established, Sweet Cicely is hardy, low maintenance, and will return reliably year after year.
