Growing Angelica

Angelica archangelica : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                    P P

(Best months for growing Angelica in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 45 cm apart
  • Harvest in approximately 18 months. Angelica archangelica has slightly dull leaves, not shiny..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Any herbs that like damp, shady areas - mint, lemon balm
  • Angelica leaves

Angelica is a biennial herb-growing the first year and flowering the second. Angelica likes moist, rich soil that is slightly acid, growing best in semi-shade. It can be grown from seeds, but they must be sown within a few weeks otherwise they lose their viability. Angelica will self seed if seed heads are left on the plant. Young plants will die back in winter and will need mulching in frost-prone areas. Then they will grow again in spring and produce flowers.

NOTE: Angelica pachycarpa sold as an ornamental garden plant is not edible. It can be distinguished from Angelica archangelica as it has bright shiny leaves.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Angelica

The stems can be candied and used to decorate cakes and pastries.

Pick the stems in the second year.

Your comments and tips

27 May 10, Vincent (Australia - temperate climate)
I am in Victoria - Australia and would like to know where I can purchase Angelica seed or seedlings please. Not Angelica pachycarpa.
03 Nov 10, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I haven't found anywhere in AU, but there are a few seed companies in the UK which sell seed. Maybe you can import some?
29 Sep 12, Jillian (Australia - temperate climate)
Angelica can be purchased in AUS from Diggers -
15 Dec 13, Suzanne (Australia - temperate climate)
Otway herbs sell them
13 Dec 10, Scott (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Been told SHINY leaves can be candied and eaten...anyone else with knowledge about this?
17 Dec 10, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Definitely do not eat the shiny leaf variety -
14 Dec 10, Lyn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Angelica pachycarpa is sold as an ornamental garden plant. It is not suitable for culinary use or herbal remedies. It has bright shiny leaves.
19 Jan 11, Judy Grasso (Australia - temperate climate)
I got my heritage, angelica seed from Caroline, at the Bittern Market..Mornington Penninsula. Caroline also has a great knowledge on companion planting, and has many products that suit the organic gardener, so that they enjoy their gardens. Personally, I am so grateful for all the lovely helpful advice Caroline has given me.
07 May 12, Ronald E. Bequeath (USA - Zone 5a climate)
I have found a plant near my wetlands that is over six feet tall and has all the chaaracteristics of the Angelica plant 1. how can I be sure it is angelica and not a poisonous relative and 2. Can I transplant the plant or is it better to plant only seeds?
02 Mar 18, Larry Mac (USA - Zone 6a climate)
Can you cut a small sample that is representative of the whole plant and take it to the local county extension service. They should be able to identify for you.
Showing 1 - 10 of 28 comments

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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