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 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 18 inches 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
19 Nov 19, Green Ankles (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Angelica is a very small plant and requires a lot of water however, my plant, Angelica, has stopped growing please give recommendations on how I can successfully grow angelica to an average size. Thank you.
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Nov 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Edible Angelica usually grows to about a metre high and spreads a bit. Make sure that you have the edible variety, not the one with shiny leaves. Regular watering should keep it growing through the Summer/ Autumn, then it will die down in Winter. Read the information here www.gardenate.com/plant/Angelica
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Dec 10, Scott (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Been told SHINY leaves can be candied and eaten...anyone else with knowledge about this?
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Dec 10, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Definitely do not eat the shiny leaf variety -
Reply or Post a new comment
See comments for all plants

Edible Angelica usually grows to about a metre high and spreads a bit. Make sure that you have the edible variety, not the one with shiny leaves. Regular watering should keep it growing through the Summer/ Autumn, then it will die down in Winter. Read the information here www.gardenate.com/plant/Angelica

- Liz

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.