Sweetly scented and powerful Angelica
Said to originate from Scandinavia, Angelica has been used by monks for hundreds of years. It is a perennial herb grown for its sweetly scented edible stems and roots which are used in alternative medicine. It is used in the common kitchen, candied to flavour jams, add in cakes, or to flavour liqueurs. In France, its young leaves can be added as a condiment to salads and soups. Its root is rumoured to be a powerful tonic to fight tiredness and the essential oil contained in the root is said to be beneficial for all the digestive system. The roots essential oil are also said to help with anxiety and insomnia issues. Always consult a qualified herbal practitioner before using this plant medicinally or a qualified aromatherapist if using its essential oil, especially if pregnant.
Scientific Name: Angelica archangelica
Plant Life Cycle: biennial
Optimal Germination Temperature: 10-15 °C
Germination time in days: 30 Days
Indicative Days to maturity: 80-90 days
Sunlight: Part Shade
Soil requirement: Best in rich, moist soil
Sowing and cultivation: Plant in early spring in moist potting mix and lightly cover. Seeds need light germinate. Transplant seedlings when they are 7 to 10 cm tall or direct sow, spacing plants 30-60 cm apart in rows that are 1 m apart.
