A timeless cottage garden herb with fern-like leaves and delicate white umbels. Sweet Cicely has a natural aniseed flavour and is beloved for its fragrance, edible seeds, and pollinator-friendly blooms. Great for damp shady spaces.
 
When to sow: Sep/Oct & Feb/Mar
 
HOW TO SOW:
REQUIRES COLD STRATIFICATION.
Sow in autumn for natural cold stratification or refrigerate seeds for 4–6 weeks before spring sowing.
Sow on the surface of moist compost, lightly cover, and keep cool until germination. Transplant to individual pots and grow on until large enough to plant out.
 
Classification: Hardy perennial
Expert Level: Intermediate
Germination time: 4–6 weeks (may be erratic)
Flowering Time:May–Jul
Site: Partial shade/Full sun
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained/Fertile
Soil Acidity: Neutral/Alkaline
Moisture: Consistent moisture
Care: Keep soil consistently moist and remove seed heads if self-seeding is not desired. Divide overcrowded clumps in spring or autumn.
Use: Edible leaves, seeds, and roots; ornamental and culinary herb with aniseed aroma.
HARVEST: Pick young leaves before flowering for best flavour. Seeds and roots can also be collected for culinary use.
Days to Maturity:  120–150 days
Height:90–120 cm
Plant Spacing:  45 cm